Dr. Robert Atkins, Anna D. Wolf Endowed Professor

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Executive Vice Dean and Professor Robert (Bob) Atkins, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been named the next Anna D. Wolf Endowed Professor. Dr. Atkins will inherit the seat from Jacquelyn Campbell, PhD, RN, FAAN, who was installed in 1993 as the inaugural Anna D. Wolf Endowed Professor.

“Dr. Bob Atkins is a visionary leader with an unrivaled ability to inspire action,” says JHSON Dean Sarah Szanton, PhD, RN, FAAN. “His installation as an endowed professor formally acknowledges both his leadership in redesigning the path to 21^st century nursing education, and his drive to achieve health for all people.”

The Anna D. Wolf Endowed Professor was funded by nursing alumni, family, and friends united by their admiration for Anna D. Wolf.

“Anna D. Wolf was an extraordinary leader in nursing education, known for having an amazing vision of what is possible, and for having exacting high standards and a caring heart,” says, Dr. Campbell. “Dr. Atkins exemplifies that legacy with charisma.”

Dr. Atkins started his career as a school nurse at East Camden Middle School in New Jersey. After his early experience, Dr. Atkins co-found the Camden STARR Program, a non-profit youth development program. His career moved into research, where he worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of marginalized children and families living in distressed neighborhoods.

Dr. Atkins has served as Executive Vice Dean at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing since 2022. His impact is already felt schoolwide and throughout the nursing community.

“Right now, nursing and nursing education has the opportunity for a true leap forward,” says Dr. Atkins. “I am honored to be the next Anna D. Wolf Endowed Professor, with the resources to maximize our impact.”