Robert Emerson

Dr. Robert L. Emerson received both his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Kansas. He began his career with the University of Kansas in 1993 as a pharmacist at Watkins Student Health Center. In 1999, he transitioned to the School of Pharmacy as Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Coordinator of the Pharmacy Skills Laboratory teaching fundamentals of dispensing, compounding, disease state management, immunization theory and practice and other topics. 

In 2006, he moved to the experiential education department to develop and direct the school’s new Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) Program. In 2010, Dean Audus appointed Dr. Emerson to serve as Associate Dean of the school’s new regional campus in Wichita, Kansas, where he oversaw the day-to-day academic and administrative operations on that campus. In 2019, Dean Ragan appointed Dr. Emerson to serve as Sr. Associate Dean of the School of Pharmacy, a position he retained until his retirement.

During his career, Dr. Emerson was active in many professional organizations at the state and national levels, and with student organizations serving as faculty advisor to the school’s largest student professional organization, the American Pharmacist’s Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), for 21 years. 

Dean Emerson retired from the University following 31 years of service in May 2025 and now resides in Arizona with his wife Millie.