School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Dean Martin Zdanowicz to Lead Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences

In addition to leading the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS), the role of Dean Martin Zdanowicz is expanding to also include leadership of the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences (Riggs School).

KGI President Sheldon Schuster announced the change to the KGI community in spring 2020, and the dean’s expanded role became official on June 1, 2020.

For Dean Zdanowicz, a key goal through these first few months will be to develop a new organizational structure that will best utilize the talents of faculty and staff from both schools.

“I am thrilled to help lead this effort,” Zdanowicz said, “and I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty, students, and staff to develop a shared vision that will move KGI forward.”

Since joining KGI in August 2019, Zdanowicz has led the development of Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum changes and established a pipeline for community college students to progress toward graduate school within SPHS.

The first cohorts of KGI’s genetics programs earned their degrees in May 2020, and SPHS is expanding to also include an Occupational Therapy Doctorate and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs.

“I have full confidence that Dean Zdanowicz will work to find collaborative opportunities between the two schools,” President Schuster said, “and will embody the innovative spirit that the school was founded on and continues to thrive today. Dean Zdanowicz has initiated a process to understand the needs of both schools with input from all parties.”

Steve Casper, who served as the Dean of the Riggs School from 2013 through 2020, will continue to serve as the Henry E. Riggs Professor of Management at KGI. Casper first joined KGI in July 2003.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Steve for his tireless work as the Dean of the Riggs School,” President Schuster said. “Under his leadership, the Riggs School added innovative programs such as Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing, Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering, and the Postbaccalaureate Pre-PA Certificate.

“The influence and impact of KGI alumni continue to grow, and all of them benefited from Steve’s commitment to the Riggs School. He has been an incredible example of dedication to KGI, our students, and the faculty and staff of the school.”