Dr. Hope Anderson, pictured at the Apotex Centre on the University of Manitoba’s Bannatyne campus.
Meet Dr. Hope Anderson, new dean of the College of Pharmacy
Dr. Hope Anderson, professor, has been appointed dean of the College of Pharmacy, assuming her new role on July 1, 2025.
She first joined the College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences in 2003 as an assistant professor.
Anderson served as vice-dean, graduate and post-doctoral studies for the Rady Faculty for eight years, concluding in 2025.
She is a principal investigator in the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM) at the Albrechtsen Research Centre at St. Boniface Hospital.
Anderson is a two-time UM alumna, completing her B.Sc. (Hons.) in microbiology in 1992 and her PhD in pharmacology and therapeutics in 1997. She then pursued post-doctoral studies at the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal and University of California, San Francisco.
Learn more about Anderson and her vision for the College of Pharmacy.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the health sciences, with a deep focus on research?
My exposure to health sciences began when I was an undergraduate student at UM where I was fortunate to be presented with research opportunities here at the Rady Faculty.
My passion for health sciences was solidified during a turning point in my fourth undergraduate year. My mom called me from Regina two weeks before final exams. My dad had a heart attack. They gave him a prognosis of two years to live if he didn’t receive a heart transplant.
That was in 1992. He didn’t receive a heart transplant until 2007 and he’s still alive to this day. That experience gave me a lens of how important research is. What kept him alive was the knowledge derived from research. I chose to focus on cardiovascular disease because I was curious about what was happening to someone I love.
Who are your mentors and how have they influenced your path?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors in academia — each of them shaping my path in profound ways. They instilled in me a deep commitment to values that have become my cornerstones: good citizenship, pursuit of excellence and service.
Three mentors from UM stand out for their lasting impact. Dr. Don Smyth, my PhD advisor, who is supportive of me to this day. Dr. Gary Glavin, who counselled me that practising strong citizenship fuels success and fulfillment in academic life. Lastly, Dr. David Collins, who was dean when I joined the College of Pharmacy, showed me what meaningful support looks like through a lens of equity, having welcomed me to UM six months into my pregnancy.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
In my role as the vice-dean for graduate studies, I was privileged to work collectively and collaboratively with our educators to elevate graduate education across the Rady Faculty.
We worked together to increase our focus on the graduate learner experience, making sure they receive the mentorship and support they need to succeed in their careers. This student-centred approach can have long-lasting societal impact as our master’s and PhD graduates enter the workforce.
What is your vision for the College of Pharmacy?
My hope for the next five years is to unleash our potential for positive impact together, creating a culture of synergy. By leveraging our strengths — our expertise, innovation, creativity, commitment to care and pursuit of scholarly excellence — we will continue to shape the future of pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences, while making a meaningful difference in our communities.
What that looks like — we’re having those conversations now. There’s so much talent here. Stay tuned!
Outside of work, what keeps you inspired?
My family keeps me grounded — my husband, Chris, and daughters, Emily and Clara. I also like to travel and stay active by going for walks and hikes. I love reading books and host a book club here at the Bannatyne campus.
What’s your advice for current and future students at the College of Pharmacy?
While we have distinct educational programs, each student’s learning experience is unique — shaped by their background, interests, strengths and values.
Create as holistic an experience as possible. Being a student is not a pause before adult life begins — it is life. So, make your years of study here as rich as possible. Look to make connections that resonate with you both within and outside academia and research. Lastly, explore avenues to support your wellness and resilience — we have many resources you can access and opportunities to develop your skills.