Jeanette C. Roberts

College of Pharmacy, May 23, 2014

Jeanette C. Roberts, dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin, received her Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the College of Pharmacy in 1986 at the University of Minnesota. She is described as outstanding, a role model for young women. a visionary leader who motivates and inspires, yet one who is understanding and compassionate in failure. She is credited with leading the School of Pharmacy to 5th rank in the 2013 annual US News & World Report’s poll of national pharmacy programs, revitalizing alumni relations at the school and promoting philanthropy among alumni and current students, and establishing the office of Global Health. She also successfully met and exceeded fund raising goals set for the school by raising more than $22 million as part of the university’s capital campaign. Roberts’ main teaching opportunities centered on pharmaceutical biochemistry and her research focused on the discovery of novel sulfur-and selenium-containing compounds to protect the body against a variety of toxic insults and situations. Because of her significant accomplishments, she has been recognized as one of the best deans of pharmacy that Wisconsin has had over the past four decades and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her leadership in pharmacy education. Roberts planned to step down as dean on September 1, 2013, and return to the faculty ranks, but has agreed to stay on until the position is filled.