Professor Amanda Garner Named Charles Walgreen, Jr. Professor

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

[Ann Arbor, Michigan] — Amanda Garner, PhD, has been named Charles Walgreen, Jr. Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, as approved by the Regents of the University of Michigan.

Both The Charles Walgreen, Jr. Professorship created in December 2024 and the already-established Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. Professorship of Pharmacy created in 1992 were established thanks to a generous gift from Leslie Ann Walgreen Pratt, Charles R. III and Kathleen B. Walgreen and James A. and Victoria D. Walgreen in honor of Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. 

Charles R. Walgreen, Jr., an alumnus of the U-M College of Pharmacy, made a profound impact on the quality and direction of the pharmacy profession. 

Dr. Garner joined the College of Pharmacy in 2013 as an Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry. She has taught classes across our bachelor’s, PharmD and PhD programs and has successfully trained numerous postdoctoral fellows and students. She currently directs the PhD program in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. 

Her research focuses on developing innovative approaches to target RNAs and RNA-protein interactions, aiming to create therapeutics for various diseases. By utilizing assay development, high-throughput screening, rational drug design and chemical biology approaches, Dr. Garner’s research aims to unlock the potential of these untapped areas of biology to create new medicines to improve patient outcomes and save lives.

“Professor Garner is a dedicated educator known for her excellent teaching, extensive mentorship and leadership in curriculum development,” remarked Dean Vicki Ellingrod. “Her values, work ethic and commitment to the profession make her a perfect fit for this professorship, and we are proud to appoint her.”

“Professor Garner exemplifies outstanding service to the profession, the University and the College of Pharmacy,” said Robert Cichewicz, Medicinal Chemistry Department Chair. “I am delighted that her talents and achievements are being recognized by this named professorship.” 

Dr. Garner’s term as Charles Walgreen, Jr. Professor is effective February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2030. 

“It is an honor to be appointed to this named professorship,” remarked Dr. Garner. “Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. was a leader in this profession who made a lasting impact on the College, and it’s an inspiration to the work I do here each day.” 

You can read more about Dr. Garner’s career and research here. 

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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.