Dean Michael Schwartz Memorial Fund

Remembering the Legacy of Dean Emeritus Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz, Ph.D., a dean emeritus and beloved figure around the University of Florida College of Pharmacy for the past 46 years, passed away on March 28.

Nearly half of Schwartz’s life was dedicated to serving the UF College of Pharmacy. He became the college’s fifth dean in April 1978 and held the role until 1996. During his tenure, the college expanded from two departments to five and the number of faculty nearly doubled from 29 to 50. Schwartz hired many distinguished pharmaceutical researchers and helped establish the college as one of the nation’s leading research institutions — with annual research funding increasing from $250,000 in 1978 to more than $7 million in 1996.

Schwartz’s legacy in the UF College of Pharmacy continues through several landmark events that were established during his tenure. He founded the Annual Research Showcase to bring greater visibility to the college’s research efforts and promote collaboration among departments. Over the years, it has become an important venue for students and trainees to present their research to the college and scientific community. The college’s Annual Alumni BBQ began in the 1980s and continues today as a venue for hundreds of Gator pharmacists to reunite before a Florida Gators football game.

When Schwartz left the deanship, he remained on faculty for seven years before officially retiring from UF in 2003. Though he left his full-time role, he maintained strong ties to the college. He taught a Thinking Skills elective course to Pharm.D. students as recently as 2023 and regularly attended college events, including the 35th Annual Alumni BBQ in November.

Schwartz also generously gave his time to better the Gainesville community. He served on the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Gainesville and was president from 1999-2000. He also served on the board of the Jewish Council of North Central Florida and completed the Leadership Gainesville program.