Beam named associate dean of graduate life sciences at Manchester

Teri Beam, chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Manchester University, has been promoted to a newly created position as associate dean of graduate and life sciences.

She has played an integral role in creating, overseeing, managing and expanding Manchester’s pharmacy and graduate life sciences at the Fort Wayne campus, said W. Thomas Smith, dean of the program.

“Teri’s sustained contributions were essential as we launched the online version of our Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Program,” he said. He noted that Beam recruited and managed a team of experts who served as adjunct faculty for the growing program.

Pharmacogenomics analyzes how the genetic makeup of an individual affects their response to medication. It allows for personalized medicine that maximizes therapy early on and decreases the chance of adverse effects. Manchester offers a master’s degree in PGx, a graduate certificate in PGx, and a dual degree where students can earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a master’s degree in PGx.

Beam has also played a primary role in writing the initial proposal for Manchester’s new master’s degree program in nutrition and nutrigenomics (MS in NGx), as well as recruiting its program director.

Characterizing her work as “transformative,” Smith said the promotion was effective Oct. 1.

“Teri’s years as a proven and dynamic leader, coupled with her expertise in human genetics, uniquely qualify her to elevate Manchester’s educational offerings in this space,” he said.

Beam will continue to serve as department chair, although some responsibilities will be transferred to others.

She joined Manchester in 2015 and has more than 20 years of academic experience in teaching, research, faculty leadership and administration.

Beam earned her B.S in biology-chemistry from Saint Francis College (1991) and her Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Notre Dame (1996). She previously served as professor and chair in the Department of Biology at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne. 

For the media

Contact information and more information about Dr. Beam

More about pharmacogenomics at Manchester

About Manchester: With campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., Manchester University provides vibrant and transformative student experiences at an affordable price. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester

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October 2021