Kansas City, MO —  Research College of Nursing (RCoN) announces F. Patrick Robinson, Ph.D., ACRN, CNE, RN, ANEF, FAAN, as its next president. Dr. Robinson succeeds a fellow highly regarded thought leader in nursing education, retiring Research College of Nursing President Thad Wilson, Ph.D., RN, FAAN.

Research College of Nursing is the Kansas City area’s largest, and longest running, single-purpose nursing institution. Ranked among the seven best nursing schools in Missouri and number one in Kansas City, Missouri, by Nursing Schools Almanac’s 2022 report, RCoN has over 500 nursing students enrolled across its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs.

“We look forward to Dr. Robinson’s progressive leadership experience in nursing education and curricular development,” says Karin McCrary, Research College of Nursing Governing Board Chair and Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair. “During the search process, the governing board, faculty and staff clearly identified Dr. Robinson as the visionary leader to take RCoN into the future in collaboration with all stakeholders.”

Formerly the provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Arizona College in Phoenix, Robinson obtained his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from Indiana University in Indianapolis and holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from Loyola University Chicago. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in biobehavioral nursing research at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Prior to his role at Arizona College, Robinson served as dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Capella University in Minneapolis; senior vice President of academics for Orbis Education; dean of curriculum and instruction at Chamberlain University College of Nursing in Chicago; executive assistant dean of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing; and Chair of the Department of Health Management and Risk Reduction at the Niehoff School of Nursing Loyola University Chicago. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Robinson held numerous positions as an HIV/AIDS clinician and administrative leader. 

“I am proud of the rich history and meaningful partnership between Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan. “Dr. Robinson has a long, distinguished career of nursing leadership and history of service spanning more than 30 years. As a respected leader in education, research, service and clinical care, and the advancement of the nursing profession, he is more than qualified to inspire the next generation of nurses at Research College of Nursing.”

“I am honored to join my colleagues at Research College of Nursing as we co-create a future that builds on a strong legacy while embracing ingenuity,” Robinson says. “I knew I found my place as I met our highly student-centric team with a passion for academic excellence. It is also thrilling to be part of the Research Medical Center community and the unparalleled opportunities afforded by such a rich and long-standing academic-practice partnership.”

An award-winning educator and nationally recognized leader in academic nursing, Dr. Robinson writes and presents frequently on innovative teaching/learning practices, curriculum evolution, and academic entrepreneurship. Robinson is a champion for social justice and health equity. He has a distinguished record of service to the HIV/AIDS care community and contributes thought leadership on multiple advisory boards. Currently he serves as chair of the board of trustees for the National League for Nursing Foundation, leading philanthropic efforts to support the advancement of excellence in nursing education.

Robinson is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and Academy of Nursing Education (ANEF). He maintains certification as an AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) from the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board (HANCB) and is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through the National League for Nursing (NLN).  He is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing and Alpha Sigma Nu, the International Honor Society of the Jesuits.

About Research College of Nursing

Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution preparing nurses to thrive in complex healthcare environments. Students gain a unique pairing of educational excellence and strength of the region’s leading healthcare system – HCA Midwest Health. Trusted for 115 years, RCoN continues educating nurses, developing leaders and caring for communities.  Visit researchcollege.edu to learn more.

About HCA Midwest Health 

As the Kansas City area’s leading healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest private-sector employers, with more than 10,000 employees, and the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care. Each year, we provide nearly $1 million to local charities. Annually, HCA Midwest Health invests capital to enhance and expand patient services and last year paid more than $115 million in taxes, which may go to the improvement of schools, roads and infrastructure in the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center. Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently Midwest Physicians represents 600+ providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.