Long-time faculty member Mary Schroeder, professor in Health Services Research (HSR), has been named Departmental Executive Officer (DEO) for the University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science (PPS). HSR is a division of PPS. 

“Dr. Schroeder brings a wealth of expertise and is nationally recognized for her work in the economics of cancer care, health care delivery, and expanding access to high-quality care, especially for rural and underserved communities,” said Jill Kolesar, dean, Jean M. Schmidt chair, and professor. “Alongside her impressive research portfolio, she is also a highly regarded educator, earning recognition as the College of Pharmacy’s 2024 Collegiate Teacher of the Year and Class of 2020 Teacher of the Year. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence promise to guide the department toward new heights.”

Dedicated to Improving Patient Care

A health economist whose work focuses on improving cancer care delivery and outcomes, Schroeder earned her BS in physics from Texas A&M University and her PhD in economics from Emory University. Her research examines how information, incentives, uncertainty, and constraints influence treatment decisions and health care delivery across the cancer care continuum. 

“A major area of my research is driven by a simple question: how can we ensure cancer patients receive the highest-quality care, regardless of where they live?” Schroeder said. 

Using real-world data and evidence-based, collaborative approaches, her work helps rural hospitals, providers, and policymakers develop strategies that lead to high-quality, comprehensive cancer care.

Servant Leadership

Schroeder’s 15-years with the College of Pharmacy provides a solid foundation and understanding of relationships and how the department operates. “What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to work alongside such talented faculty, staff, and students. We have exceptional people doing innovative work every day,” said Schroeder. “While we do not always share the same perspective, that diversity of thought is one of our greatest strengths. Respectful disagreement sharpens our thinking, improves our ideas, and ultimately makes us stronger as a department." 

As she begins her term as DEO, Schroeder plans to focus on listening and learning from faculty, staff, students, and key partners across the college and university health system. "The University of Iowa has a remarkable legacy of innovation and excellence in pharmacy practice, education, and research," she said. "My goal is to build on that legacy and support the people who make this department exceptional.” 

Her priorities for the first year include: 

• developing a shared strategic vision for the department
• establishing a thoughtful hiring plan
• fostering a culture built on trust, transparency, and open communication

“I see the DEO's role as one of servant leadership,” she said. "My responsibility is to support the success of our faculty, staff, and students while advancing the mission of the college and university. The best outcomes occur when people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute."

Schroeder believes alliances will be essential to the department's continued growth and impact. “We have longstanding collaborations with UI Health Care and the Iowa City VA, and I look forward to strengthening those relationships even further,” she said. "I'm also excited to work with new partners across campus and throughout the state. Some of our greatest opportunities lie at the intersection of disciplines, and I want to help create the conditions for those partnerships to thrive."

Future Focused

Schroeder emphasized that identifying future opportunities will be a collective effort. "I will be relying on our faculty and staff to help shape where we go next," she said. "Together, we'll determine what we want PPS to be known for and where we can make our greatest impact in education, research, patient care, and service."

 Top of mind for Schroeder is recognizing that pharmacy education and practice are undergoing significant transformation. "The pace of change is extraordinary," she said. "Advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and Iowa’s Pharmacy Practice Act are reshaping the profession. Our challenge is to remain adaptable and forward-looking while staying grounded in our core values and unwavering commitment to excellence."

Simultaneously, she believes thoughtful leadership requires balancing innovation with strategic focus. "Not every new opportunity is the right opportunity," Schroeder said. "I want us to be intentional about where we invest our time, energy, and resources. The goal is not simply to keep up with change, but to thoughtfully position ourselves to lead it."