Friday, January 31, 2025
After being named dean of the College of Pharmacy at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth last fall, Dr. Evan Robinson, RPh, FNAP, officially joined the institution on Jan. 15. Now settling into his new
role, Robinson is focused on fostering innovation, collaboration and student success
while advancing the college’s mission.
A legacy in pharmacy and leadership
Robinson’s path to pharmacy was shaped by family tradition, with roots in both practice and education.
“Pharmacy ran in the family,” Robinson said. “I went into academic leadership to walk the same path as my father, but just not walk in his footsteps because that would’ve been too hard.”
With experience establishing three pharmacy schools, Robinson has developed a leadership philosophy centered on continuous improvement and valuing the people who make an institution thrive.
“The opportunity to be entrepreneurial, to always strive to move from good to great—those are principles I carry with me,” Robinson said. “And most importantly, I value the wonderful people I work with.”
A firm believer in servant leadership, Robinson follows the words of President John F. Kennedy, “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Priorities as dean
Now a few weeks into his tenure, Robinson is focused on understanding the college’s strengths and ongoing initiatives.
“My initial priorities are to listen, learn and get a sense of the pulse of the organization,” Robinson said. “My priorities will evolve as my knowledge and awareness grow.”
Robinson was drawn to UNTHSC’s College of Pharmacy for its strong legacy and commitment to excellence.
“The mission will always be my due north on my compass,” Robinson said.
He plans to foster innovation and collaboration by engaging with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.
Commitment to student success and community engagement
Robinson believes that student success is a shared responsibility.
“Student success is multifaceted and takes a village,” Robinson said. “Everyone within the College of Pharmacy and the university helps create the best environment for students.”
He is also eager to expand community engagement efforts by collaborating with stakeholders to identify new opportunities for outreach.
“We need to create every opportunity possible to interact with the community and uncover hidden gems for engagement,” Robinson said.
Looking ahead
Robinson recognizes that pharmacy education is at a turning point and expects significant changes in the next decade.
“The College of Pharmacy has every opportunity—and the people to make it happen—to be a leader in that future,” Robinson said. “We will achieve this by focusing on our values, our mission and our commitment to always striving for better.”
As he continues to integrate into the UNTHSC community, Robinson remains dedicated to leading with communication, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.
From HSC Newsroom - Our People by Nicole Luna