Leaders of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences gathered to congratulate Dean Merle Olson, Ph.D., at his retirement party Aug. 12. They include (left to right) Drs. David Sharp, newly named Interim Dean Robert Reddick, Merle Olson; Bruce Nicholson, Joel Baseman, Alan Frazer, Christi Walter, and David Weiss.
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Biosciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio became stronger during the past 42 years due in part to the leadership and ingenuity of Merle Olson, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, who will retire Aug. 31.

Dean Olson is a distinguished biochemist and has been a professor of biochemistry at the Health Science Center since 1976. His research focuses on activities of enzyme production, metabolic regulatory events, which occur in systemic and organ injuries, and, most recently, the recovery from tissue injuries. He has had more than 180 journal articles published, received $9.7 million in research grant funding, and has been an active member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Physiological Society.

“We appreciate Dean Olson's contributions to the missions of our Health Science Center especially in education and biomedical research,” said Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president of the Health Science Center. “His contributions have had a very positive impact not only for our Health Science Center but also for Texas and the world.”

Leadership in the biosciences
In 1983, Dean Olson was appointed chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and held that position until his appointment as dean of the Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences in 2002. “As a chairman of biochemistry, Merle Olson showed the vision to see the future of structural biology in biochemistry before it was fashionable and the persistence to bring it to reality by accumulating the resources to build these very expensive core facilities in NMR and X-ray crystallography, and then to hire the brightest cadre of young faculty to make it into a nationally recognized strength,” said Bruce Nicholson, Ph.D., professor and chair of biochemistry. “As the chair who inherited this legacy, I can personally attest to how much it has affected our ability to recruit the best in the next generation.”

Developed the Barshop Institute
Many developments occurred during Dr. Olson’s tenure, including the building of the Sam And Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, part of the graduate school, which is now home to scientists who have made groundbreaking discoveries. Outstanding department chairs have recruited, and many faculty members have received accolades in their respective specializations for their scientific accomplishments.

Widespread professional reputation as a leader and a gentleman
“When I was first looking for an independent position some 14 years ago, I remember having a conversation with the chair of the cell biology department at Baylor Medical School who asked me about my job offers. I mentioned that I was considering coming to San Antonio to join the biochemistry department. His response was, ‘Oh, that's Merle Olson's department. He's a real gentleman,’” said Rui Sousa, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry. “Since coming here I have had no reason to dispute or be disappointed with that assessment. Merle’s reputation for integrity and trustworthiness have helped him to recruit faculty to the biochemistry department who, based only on the resources Merle could offer, might not have come. His selfless interest in his faculty’s success has developed their sense of loyalty to this department and this institution.”

David Weiss, Ph.D., professor and chair of physiology added, “To have someone of his stature directing the graduate school really made my decision to come here three years ago an easy one. Since then, from my viewpoint, he has struck the perfect balance between providing advice, guidance and support, yet still letting the departments advance along their own unique paths.”

M.D./Ph.D. program
During his tenure as dean, the M.D./Ph.D. program was established, as well as the multidisciplinary graduate program. More than 660 students have graduated from the school during his tenure.

“His latest legacy that he will leave behind is the formulation and implementation of a new, integrated program in graduate education that will change the way we educate our graduate students for years to come,” Dr. Nicholson said.

Proudest accomplishment
“When I first started graduate school I was looking for opportunity,” Dr. Olson said. “I’m very grateful to the Health Science Center for providing me with the opportunity to mentor faculty, postdocs and students.”

Dr. Olson says that mentoring has been his proudest accomplishment. He has mentored more than 50 predoctoral and postdoctoral students. One became a scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two are Harvard faculty members and another is a practicing surgeon. “Scientific papers are important,” Dr. Olson said, “but in the end it’s about the people you influence and have a role in developing.”

Dr. Olson plans to travel immediately following his retirement, but he will still have ties with the Health Science Center as an emeritus professor in the Department of Biochemistry. He also anticipates consulting, assisting with grant proposals and writing books.