William Evans, Pharm. D., named St. Jude Scientific Director

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (ALSAC)
Tuesday, 2 July 2002

William Evans, Pharm.D., will assume the newly created position of scientific director at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Aug. 1. He will also continue in his role as deputy director of the hospital, according to St. Jude Director Arthur Nienhuis, M.D.

The St. Jude scientific director is the academic leader for all clinical and laboratory research at the hospital. In his new position, Evans will oversee matters pertaining to faculty recruitment, program development, budget planning and space allocation.

"My 27 years at St. Jude have taught me many things, including how incredibly difficult it is to do clinical and basic research that improves treatment and advances science," Evans said. "My goal as scientific director will be to facilitate the entire spectrum of research at St. Jude, so that our programs continue to define the forefront of clinical, basic and translational research."

As scientific director, Evans will work with Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mirro, M.D., and Chief Operating Officer John Nash to further integrate research, patient care and daily operations of St. Jude.

"My charge is to work with the faculty and staff to make this an environment in which everyone can do their best work, and where we can continue to attract outstanding people who are committed to our mission," Evans said. "I think this is how we can achieve the most for our patients, our science and ourselves"

Until Aug. 1, Evans held the position of chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences. However, he will step down from that role to allow adequate time for his new responsibilities.

Evans, a Clarksville, Tenn., native, joined the St. Jude staff in 1976. His research interests include pharmacogenetics of cancer chemotherapy, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and mechanism for TPMT protein deficiency. In addition to publishing more than 240 articles in peer-reviewed journals including New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet and Blood, he also serves on editorial boards for several scientific journals. He has been an invited speaker for more than 200 medical lectures and symposia in Australia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and other locations.

For more information, or to contact St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (ALSAC), see their website at: www.stjude.org