Hendrix College to present honorary degree to Dr. Richard Pazdur

Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE), will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree and address the class of 2025 at Hendrix College’s commencement. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at Hendrix’s Young-Wise Memorial Stadium.

The OCE was established in 2017 to leverage the combined skills of FDA’s regulatory scientists and reviewers with expertise in drugs, biologics, and devices to expedite the development of novel cancer products. In this role, Dr. Pazdur is responsible for leading the effort to develop and execute an integrated regulatory approach to enhance the cross-center coordination of oncology product clinical review.

“We are honored to recognize Dr. Pazdur for his exceptional achievements and lasting contributions to the field of oncology,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “Dr. Pazdur has been a visionary leader whose remarkable career has driven significant advancements in cancer treatment in our region and beyond. His influence on clinical research has fundamentally reshaped the standard of care.”

Dr. Pazdur was enthusiastically endorsed by the College’s Honorary Degree Committee and approved by both the faculty and Board of Trustees as this year’s honorary degree recipient.

Prior to joining the FDA in 1999, Dr. Pazdur was professor of medicine at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. From 1982 to 1988, he served on the faculty of Wayne State University. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, his M.D. from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, and completed clinical training at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center and University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics.

Dr. Pazdur has published more than 800 articles, book chapters, and abstracts, and received many awards, including recognition in Fortune magazine’s 2015 list of “50 World’s Greatest Leaders,” the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center’s “The One Hundred” list in 2016, and one of “The Bloomberg 50” in 2017.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose