WHO WHAT WHERE

Meet Dr. Roy Jensen

Who: Dr. Roy Jensen is vice chancellor and director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, where he directs all institutional efforts related to cancer and coordinates the consortium group of institutions that includes not only the University of Kansas, but also the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Children’s Mercy. What: Jensen graduated from Gardner High School in 1976 and attended Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas, to play basketball. “I loved playing basketball and seriously considered becoming a basketball coach after my playing days were over,” he explains. But he decided that leaving his fate in the hands of a group of teenage boys was not a surefire path to success.

He didn’t know what he wanted to do, but he was sure he didn’t want to become a physician. “My mother was a nurse for a family physician in Overland Park, and his job did not appeal to me. I did enjoy science in high school, so I enrolled in chemistry, biology, and math classes in college,” he explains.

This meant he was in class with mostly science and pre-professional students, and he found he actually enjoyed the environment. His chemistry teacher, Norma Steinman, noticed he was doing well on tests and pointed out that his plan to be an NBA lottery pick was probably not realistic. He needed a plan B.

“She also broadened my horizon in terms of different options and career paths that were available to medical school graduates and piqued my interest in biomedical research,” says Jensen. As a result of her efforts, Jensen’s plan B turned out to be medical school. Jensen married his high school sweetheart, Linda Clark, after he graduated from NCCC, and they have been together 44 years. “That was the best decision I ever made,” he says. They have three sons, Andrew, Derek, and Brett. “They have made us incredibly proud with their numerous accomplishments, and it has been wonderful to welcome Brooke, Maddie, Kiley, and our three grandchildren, Charleston, Emerson, and William.”

Jensen enrolled in Pittsburgh State University after junior college, which was known to have an excellent premedical program under the direction of Dr. Leland Keller. “He was a tough taskmaster, but had an outstanding record of placing graduates in professional schools,” says Jensen. At Pitt State, he became a double major in biology and chemis-

try, and worked hard to excel in the classroom.

After graduating, he attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. He ended up spending 24 years at Vanderbilt as a student, resident, fellow, and faculty member. “Vanderbilt was an incredible experience with many outstanding, inspirational faculty who played an essential role in helping me become a successful physician-scientist,” says Jensen.

Many giants of American medicine have set a standard for excellence at Vanderbilt, such as David Page, Robert Collins, and Harold Moses. “I was truly blessed to experience that environment. These individuals inspired my interest in cancer research and, in particular, breast cancer research,” says Jensen. “Dr. Moses was also responsible for developing the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, which allowed me to see the tremendous impact that bringing an NCI-designated Cancer Center to a medical center could have on an institution and a region.”

When Jensen was offered a position as KU Cancer Director in 2004, he knew exactly what he was getting into because of his experience at Vanderbilt, and he was happy to accept. Jensen explains that dean Barbara Atkinson had established achieving NCI designation for the University of Kansas as her top priority, and that strong support has been replicated across the university at all levels of senior leadership since that time.

Jensen adds that one of the most significant steps in this process was the declaration by Chancellor Robert Hemenway that achieving NCI designation was the number one priority for the entire university. This declaration led to strong support from the state of Kansas, Johnson County voters, and the philanthropic community. “In fact, since 2004 this support has totaled over $1.1 billion,” says Jensen. “This strong level of institutional and regional support resulted in our designation as a Clinical Cancer Center from the NCI in 2012, and in July of 2022 we were granted Comprehensive status, the highest level of designation from the National Cancer Institute.”

Where: FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE Q39, Gates BBQ, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Seasons 52, and The Capital Grille FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP The Plaza, REI, Cabela’s, Overton Archery Center in Lawrence, and Brooks Brothers FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN KC The Arabia Steamboat Museum FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUTOF-TOWN GUESTS National WWI Museum, Truman Library, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Arrowhead Stadium, and Q39