McRae leads School of Pharmacy’s research and graduate studies efforts
Mary Peace McRae, Pharm.D., Ph.D., began her role as the school’s associate dean for research and graduate studies, effective March 18.
In this role, McRae will lead efforts to shape and operationalize the school’s vision for our research and graduate programs. McRae — who most recently served as the Assistant Dean of Research at the University of Virginia School of Medicine — will work to enhance the prominence of our research endeavors and graduate programs.
“It is clear from her background and our discussions that Dr. McRae strives to enhance the prominence of our research endeavors and graduate programs,” said K.C. Ogbonna, dean, professor and Archie O. McCalley Chair of the VCU School of Pharmacy. “Her collaborative approach and dedication to academic excellence will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of our institution, fostering a culture of care, innovation and scholarly achievement.”
While at UVA, McRae directed the operations of the Office for Research in support of the UVA School of Medicine’s strategic plan and also served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience.
Prior to her time at UVA, McRae was a faculty member at VCU School of Pharmacy, where she held a tenured position in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science and was formerly the Vice Chair of graduate studies and the graduate program director within the department.
McRae’s active engagement in research as an NIH-funded principal investigator underscores her deep understanding of academic research landscapes. Her expertise in studying the complex interplay of HIV and opioids uniquely positions her to foster innovative research opportunities within the School of Pharmacy. Additionally, her commitment to mentoring and training students at all levels will contribute to nurturing a vibrant research community.
McRae has earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Doctor of Pharmacy from the VCU School of Pharmacy and a bachelor’s of health and sports science at Wake Forest University.
Patty Slattum, Pharm.D., Ph.D., director emerita of the school’s Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Program, has served as the school’s interim associate dean for research and graduate studies since 2023.
“Dr. Patty Slattum is a tremendous asset to the School, and we have been grateful to have her in this role, as in her previous roles at our school,” Ogbonna said. “I want to share my profound gratitude to Dr. Slattum for her efforts during this interim period. Dr. Slattum has demonstrated tremendous skill, talent and dedication in her work to ensure our research efforts remain well-resourced and our graduate students are supported and academically successful.”
Categories Faculty and staff news, Research