A former pharmacy faculty member is returning to Wayne State University as chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. Dean Lloyd Y. Young with Associate Dean of Pharmacy Richard L. Slaughter announces the appointment of Brian L. Crabtree, PharmD, to head the department in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He begins his responsibilities on Sept. 1.

"Brian's senior academic experiences will bring to the department a strong vision for pharmacy practice," said Dean Young. "And, his exceptional leadership skills will advance all areas of a complex department."

"I began my academic career at Wayne State more than 30 years ago," Crabtree said. "Those early years were formative to my philosophy and approach to teaching, research, service, and patient care. My passion remains the same now as then, excellence in pharmacy education and preparing graduates to provide comprehensive and contemporary patient care.

Since 1985, Crabtree has been associated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, most recently as professor of pharmacy practice. Board certified in psychiatric pharmacy, he also has served as psychopharmacologist at Mississippi State Hospital in Whitfield. Before moving to Mississippi, Crabtree served as assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at Wayne State from August 1981 to December 1984.

Associate Dean Slaughter said, "Brian is a very easy going Southern gentleman who will be able to work with and effectively implement changes that will positively impact the Department of Pharmacy Practice in years to come. We are excited to have such a strong pharmacy leader join the Wayne State pharmacy leadership team."

Previously the position of chair for the Department of Pharmacy Practice was held by David J. Edwards, PharmD, who retired in spring 2011 after 28 years of service to Wayne State University.

Referring to the former department chair, Crabtree said, "I hope to build on the successes of my friend and predecessor, Dr. David Edwards, in leading a group of high performing individuals and a high performing team. I am especially interested in mentoring young faculty to be successful as pharmacy academicians. The college and the department have the talent and ingredients to achieve and maintain a national prominence in all areas of our academic mission."

Crabtree earned his bachelor of science in pharmacy in 1979 from the School of Pharmacy, Mercer University in Atlanta, GA; a year later, he received a doctor of pharmacy from the university. He completed postgraduate residency in mental health pharmacy practice at the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in Memphis. A leader in the area of psychiatric pharmacy practice, he has had many articles published in areas of mental health and pharmacy education.

His research focuses on outcomes assessment of treatment algorithms and pharmacoeconomic initiatives.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including most recently the Mississippi Healthcare Heroes in 2011 from the Mississippi Business Journal, the Thelma H. Cerniglia Distinguished Teaching Scholar 2011-2014 and the Faculty Service Award in 2007, from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy; and Norman C. Nelson Order in 2011, presented by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

A long-time member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), Crabtree has served on numerous committees and boards of the professional organization and is completing a one-year term as president this year.

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the founding colleges of Wayne State University, is committed to advancing the health and well-being of society through the preparation of highly skilled health care practitioners, and through research to improve health care practices and treatment from urban to global levels.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.

August 16, 2012

Media Contact: Kathleen J. Karas, APR
Phone: (313) 577-2312
Email: kkaras@wayne.edu