Looking back on her career with Tulane University School of Medicine caused Dr. Barbara Beckman, associate dean of admissions, to consider how she wanted to give back. Beckman, professor of pharmacology and a 1968 graduate of Newcomb College, began her professional career with a postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Medicine. That beginning evolved into her tenure-track position.
“As a faculty member and an alum, I really wanted to find the right things to support,” said Beckman. Having been associated with many other ventures over the years, Dr. Beckman was able to look closely at where she wanted to contribute.
After much consideration, she recently gave $100,000 to form the Dr. Barbara S. Beckman Professorship in Pharmacology. The intention of this professorship is to enhance the careers of women scientists while encouraging the diversity of different views and disciplines.
“Diversity among the faculty is critical in thinking about the problems that we have left to solve in medicine,” says Beckman.
Within the field of pharmacology, cancer-related research has been a main focus for Beckman. She hopes to encourage other women interested in pharmacology to find and nurture their interests while at the same time becoming more involved in leadership roles.
Post-Katrina, Beckman feels that the school has been reinvigorated with new talent among the faculty and the students.
“I believe in this city and this university and want to be part of building the future,” says Beckman.
