Kristine Parbuoni Named Inaugural Assistant Dean for PharmD Student Life and Student Success

New assistant dean role keeps student success and support at the center of the PharmD experience, from orientation through graduation.

By Pam Carder
April 28, 2025

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) has appointed Kristine Parbuoni, PharmD, BCPPS, associate professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research (P-SHOR), as the inaugural assistant dean for PharmD student life and student success. This newly established leadership role will be dedicated to enhancing the holistic student experience within the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Parbuoni assumed the assistant dean role on April 7.

The role was created as part of UMSOP’s broader commitment to delivering student-centered education and fostering long-term professional success. In this role, Parbuoni will spearhead initiatives designed to provide comprehensive, proactive, and personalized support for PharmD students throughout every stage of their academic journey—from orientation through graduation and beyond.

“Dr. Parbuoni has long been a champion for our students,” says Andrew Coop, PhD, associate dean for students and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “She brings both the vision and the experience to build this office from the ground up. Her leadership in areas such as admissions, postgraduate training, and student mentorship make her uniquely qualified to shape a cohesive, student-first approach that supports success inside and outside the classroom.”

Working closely with students, faculty, staff, and leadership, Parbuoni will facilitate a culture that emphasizes wellness, engagement, mentorship, and academic achievement. Her responsibilities will include developing programs and resources to enhance student life; serving as an advocate for student needs and concerns; creating and implementing crisis response protocols; and coordinating career development efforts.

Parbuoni’s appointment draws on a wide range of leadership experience. She has served as chair of the School’s Admissions Committee, a member of the Recruitment Committee, director of postgraduate training, director of the PGY2 Pediatric Residency Program, and director of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination program in the PharmD curriculum.

“In each role, Dr. Parbuoni has demonstrated a deep commitment to guiding and advocating for students, both academically and professionally,” says Coop.

“Our goal is to create a meaningful PharmD experience where students feel genuinely connected to faculty and staff who are invested in their success,” says Parbuoni. “We’re designing initiatives that go beyond the curriculum to support student wellness, leadership development, community building, and lifelong career readiness.”

Parbuoni notes that in her new role, she will work to ensure that all students have access to resources that support their growth, including mentorship opportunities, peer and alumni networks, and professional development programming.

“A central focus of the role will be to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported,” reflects Parbuoni. “We want our graduates to look back on their time at UMSOP with pride—not just because they earned a rigorous and respected degree, but because they felt seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their goals with confidence.”

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