Dr. Mustapha Beleh wins 2025 Teaching Excellence Award

Media Contact: Lindsay Groth, Director of Marketing and Communications, [email protected]

[Ann Arbor, Michigan] — The College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce that Mustapha Beleh, Director of Education and Frank J. Ascione Collegiate Teaching Professor in Medicinal Chemistry, will receive the College’s 2025 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Beleh is a two-time winner of this award, previously receiving the recognition in 2019.

“Being nominated is rewarding in itself, but winning is a true honor,” Beleh reflected. “This award is very special because candidates are nominated by both students and colleagues at the College and then the winner is picked by members of the faculty.”

Dr. Beleh teaches a number of courses across the PharmD, and the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) programs. Additionally, he coordinates the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology course series, mentors graduate students, leads the implementation of academic integrity policies at the College, and is a member of the PharmD curriculum committee. 

His teaching philosophy centers around four pillars: Equipping students with the knowledge base, encouraging them to critically think as they proceed to apply that knowledge, illustrating the integration of knowledge and skills across the different disciplines of pharmacy and helping every student achieve their potential inside and outside the classroom.  

“I put a lot of effort into getting to know every student in my classes and show interest in supporting their academic and professional advancement,” Beleh explained. “I believe this is the reason that they feel comfortable coming to me with their problems or concerns, inside and outside of college life, as they know I will listen to them and provide them with an honest assessment, even when it is sometimes hard to hear.  They have always told me that they feel I have their back and best interest at heart.” 

Dr. Beleh’s commitment to connecting with students does not go unnoticed, as one PharmD student points out in the nomination form. “Dr. Beleh cares about his students, builds genuine relationships and pushes us to be the best learners and future pharmacists we can be while keeping his classes lighthearted and enjoyable. He is truly one of a kind and is a huge reason behind my continued success and enjoyment of medicinal chemistry topics throughout the PharmD program.” 

Dr. Beleh earned his BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Alexandria University in Egypt in 1985 and his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy from The Ohio State University in 1992.  He then moved on to South Dakota State University, where he joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry until 1995 when he moved back to Egypt to join Pharco Pharmaceuticals in the role of Director of Research.  Dr. Beleh then joined the faculty at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy originally as a lecturer of Medicinal Chemistry in 1999.

“Dr. Beleh’s commitment to our students has been both evident and profound over the more than two decades he has served the College of Pharmacy,” remarked Dean Vicki Ellingrod. “He is more than deserving of this award, and I know our students and alumni would agree.” 

Throughout his career, Dr. Beleh has earned a number of other awards, including the University’s Golden Apple Award and the College’s Faculty Appreciation Award. He’s also a proud 14-time recipient of the College’s Students’ Appreciation Award. 

Dr. Beleh will be recognized for this award at this year’s PharmD Commencement Banquet, where he will deliver remarks.

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About the College

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy has been leading at pharmacy’s edge for 150 years. The first and oldest pharmacy school at a state university, the College — currently ranked #2 in the nation — has and continues to shape education in the field. Its faculty are internationally recognized and are innovators in drug discovery, development and delivery, precision pharmacotherapy, outcomes research, and clinical practice. More than 5,000 alumni are enhancing patient care and outcomes from the bench to the bedside, in boardrooms and communities, government agencies, and within healthcare companies.