Mary Schroeder is an economist by training. 

While she excels in that aspect of her career, where she really soars is teaching. Today, she is associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science’s Division of Health Services Research (HSR) at the UI College of Pharmacy.

As one of her former students explains, “Dr. Schroeder is extremely easy to listen to, she's very engaging and entertaining, and is really good at explaining the same thing in different ways to make sure that everyone fully understands the concept. Class never dragged when she was the professor for the day!”

In recognition of her outstanding teaching efforts, Schroeder received the 2024 College of Pharmacy Collegiate Teacher of the Year Award — a recognition that is “huge’ for her.

“I came in as a novice and outsider, unfamiliar with pharmacy and the training of pharmacy students,” she explained. “To be named Collegiate Teacher of the Year is a testament not to any natural talent, but years of hard work and dedication to providing the best instruction and experience, willingness to receive criticisms and make changes, and (most importantly) watching and learning from the host of excellent teachers we have at the college.” 

Schroeder is honored to join a list of past Teacher of the Year Award honorees who she feels are great examples. 

“I am so honored to be considered their equal,” she said. 

 "I love that I have a job where I have freedom and flexibility in forming content and trying new things."  

During her graduate studies in economics at Emory University, Schroeder would have never imagined she’d end up at the UI College of Pharmacy. She explained that most health economists become employed in economics departments or colleges of public health, public policy, or medicine, not typically colleges of pharmacy. 

But not all health economists have the support of John Brooks, a former faculty member in the College.

“He was, I believe, the first economist in the UI College of Pharmacy,” Schroeder said. “John advocated for the position and for me specifically. I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Schroeder came to the College right out of graduate school knowing nothing about pharmacy. 

“But I am a generally curious person and love learning,” she said. “Over the years, I have grown so much in my understanding and appreciation of the profession.”

She definitely didn’t know how to teach Doctor of Pharmacy students, either. 

“I didn’t know what they needed to learn or what would be most helpful to them as future pharmacists,” Schroeder said. “It took lots of learning, reflecting, evaluating, and trial and error to develop effective teaching material and techniques. I love that I have a job where I can do that — that I have freedom and flexibility in forming content and trying new things. And that I get regular feedback and opportunities for improvement.”

In addition to her teaching duties, Schroeder conducts research focusing on the two leading causes of death: cancer and cardiovascular disease. She uses quantitative and qualitative methods to study real-world decisions and the impact of treatment choices on health outcomes.

One of Schroeder’s favorite memories from her time in the College thus far was from her very first day in Iowa City. She, her husband, and two small children made the hours-long move in a U-Haul from Atlanta.  

The morning after they pulled into town, six faculty and seven graduate students from the HSR showed up at their door at 10 a.m., ready to help them unload. 

“We were done in 90 minutes,” Schroeder said. “It was incredible. After a quick pizza lunch, they told me that they had to get back to campus for seminar that afternoon. I love the Iowa Pharmily.”

That feeling is mutual. 

Said one of her award nominators, “Mary is a compassionate mentor, role model, and advocate who genuinely cares about the well-being and success of her students and junior faculty colleagues. Despite being stretched thin across the many roles and duties she provides the College, she never fails to devote time to get to know her students individually, offering guidance, encouragement, and support — in good times and in bad — as they work their way through their academic and professional journeys.”