For Jean Deupree, Ph.D., it’s time to slow down a bit.
That’s why on Friday, Dr. Deupree, professor of pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, will retire after 34 years as a teacher and researcher at UNMC.
The campus community is invited to a retirement celebration for Dr. Deupree Friday in University Tower’s Private Dining Rooms A and B from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
“I’m ready to spend time participating in activities that I haven’t had a chance to previously do,” Dr. Deupree said. “I’d like to have a garden, travel, read books, watch movies — all that fun stuff.”
Not that the past 34 years haven’t been fun, Dr. Deupree said. She wouldn’t have stuck around so long if she wasn’t enjoying herself.
“I wouldn’t want to undo anything I’ve done,” Dr. Deupree said. “But it’s time to slow down and enjoy other parts of life.”
Dr. Deupree, who earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1970, joined UNMC as an assistant professor in August 1972 after serving a two-year post doctoral stint at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Her work with David Bylund, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, investigating adrenergic receptors has been a highlight of her research time at UNMC.
Drs. Deupree and Bylund have investigated these receptors, which may hold clues into solving several health issues, including why some antidepressants don’t work for children and why some children get attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“It has been a delight to have Dr. Deupree involved in the daily operation of the laboratory,” Dr. Bylund said. “Her insights into experimental issues and attention to detail have been essential in moving our research program forward.”
On the teaching side, Dr. Deupree is particularly proud of having directed a pharmacology course for physician assistant and clinical perfusion students since 1992 and helped to educate more than 5,000 medical and pharmacy students.
She has received several teaching awards for her classroom efforts, including the School of Allied Health Professions Outstanding Service Award.
Some of her other enjoyable moments have come from the one-on-one interaction she’s had in the laboratory with students and research technicians, Dr. Deupree said.
“I really like helping students rise through the ranks in this profession,” Dr. Deupree said. “That one-on-one interaction is particularly important and effective for many people and I’ve enjoyed being able to provide that kind of support.”
The community spirit that permeates the UNMC campus and allows departments to effectively communicate with other departments has been another pleasant aspect of her time at UNMC, Dr. Deupree said.
“It really is just a friendly atmosphere here,” Dr. Deupree said. “There is a real strong sense of collaboration among the faculty. It’s been great to be a part of that.”
UNMC has been fortunate to have Dr. Deupree on hand for so long and her expertise and bright outlook will be missed greatly, said Howard Gendelman, M.D., chairman of the department of pharmacology and experimental neuroscience.
“The best word to describe Jean Deupree is ‘selfless,'” Dr. Gendelman said. “She is ready and available to support anyone who calls upon her in all departmental needs: education, research or administration. Her affable demeanor and positive attitude has been wonderful to work with and she will be missed. We wish Jean the best of luck in her retirement.”