UB’s Cain stepping down as VP, Jacobs School dean

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Michael E. Cain, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and the leader whose vision has fundamentally transformed and elevated every facet of medical training, biomedical research and clinical care in Buffalo, has announced he will step down from these posts, effective Aug. 31.

After serving 15 years as dean of the Jacobs School and 10 years as vice president for health sciences, Cain will assume a faculty position in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Jacobs School’s Department of Medicine and focus his effort on continuously enhancing the school’s educational, research and clinical care learning environments.

“An exemplary leader and a true visionary, Cain has left an indelible mark on our university community, and our broader region, by elevating every facet of medical education and training, biomedical research and clinical care,” says President Satish K. Tripathi. “His enduring commitment to UB’s mission of excellence has profoundly enhanced the impact and stature of the Jacobs School and all of UB’s health science schools — and this, in turn, has contributed immeasurably to the health and vitality of Western New York.

“Quite simply put, Cain is peerless,” Tripathi says. “As we celebrate our university’s 175th anniversary this year — a university, I note, that was founded as a medical school — we can also celebrate the extraordinary legacy that Cain leaves as dean and vice president. I am deeply grateful that he will continue to contribute his wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Jacobs School students, our university and our broader community as a faculty member.”

Cain was appointed dean of the Jacobs School in 2006 and vice president for health sciences at UB in 2011. In his health sciences role, he has led the university’s five health sciences schools: the Jacobs School, School of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the School of Public Health and Health Professions.

He also serves as professor of medicine and professor of biomedical engineering.

“UB has been incredibly fortunate to have the academic and personal leadership of Michael Cain as dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for the past 15 years,” says A. Scott Weber, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

“In addition to his extraordinary strengths as a faculty colleague, dean, vice president and visionary community leader, Michael is an exceptional person, approaching every aspect of his work with the highest level of authenticity, integrity and professionalism. He works tirelessly in support of his faculty, staff, students and community, and has had an incredible impact on not only UB, but the entire Western New York community,” Weber says.

“At the end of the day, Michael’s legacy will not only be the exceptional achievements of his tenures as dean of the Jacobs School and vice president for health sciences, but also the outstanding example he has set for all of us at UB.” 

Considered one of the most successful and effective deans in UB’s 175-year history, Cain has led the medical school through its most significant transformation. His extraordinary career at UB has allowed for a dramatic reimagining of how and where medical training, research and clinical care could best succeed in Buffalo, starting with the concept of the academic health center.

Read the full story in UBNow.