Memory Book - Dr. Ken Lawson

MEMORY BOOK

DR.

KEN

LAWSON Health Outcomes Division Alumni Reunion

a U T O G r a P h

remember THIS

Ayo Adeyemi

I appreciate Dr. Lawson’s calmness and ease with which he taught. His approach to teaching encouraged thinking out of the box. Thankful for all of Dr. Lawson’s support and encouragement.

Ahmed M. Alshehri

Dr. Lawson is one of the kindest professors I have ever met. He truly guided me and other graduate students with love and sympathy. His scientific research skills and knowledge were the most significant factors that shaped me during my study in the US. His willingness to learn new statistical analysis software or methods showed me that learning does not stop at any age or carrier stage. Thank you very much, Dr. Lawson. Ahmed

Anton Avanceña

A few days before a cold front hit Austin in December 2022, Dr. Lawson emailed me-the Division’s new hire and recent Austin transplant--a list of tips on weather-proofing my house. This was, of course, not the first time Dr. Lawson offered to help me; just a few weeks after I started my job, he reached out and asked if I needed assistance to hang art and frames on my office’s concrete walls, or to navigate the overwhelming ins and outs of first-time homeownership. Dr. Lawson’s sweet and thoughtful gestures have made me feel like a valued member of the HOD family, and for that I am grateful. Beyond this, I know he’s been a source of inimitable support for other faculty members, students, and staff, and it’s incredibly bittersweet to celebrate his retirement. I can’t wait to see what he does next, and to see the many other lives he’ll improve and enrich.

JAMIE BARNER

Ken, Since you will likely not be able to hear me say this, I wanted to make sure that I had it in writing for perpetuity: “Dr. Lawson was my TA.” I am honored to have known you as a pharmacy student, a “new” Assistant Professor, through to the rank of Professor, and now serving has your Division Head. You have had such a significant impact on the lives of students and faculty. EVERYONE says “Dr. Lawson is so nice” and those characteristics were exemplified day in and out in many ways: displaying an ever present smile and welcoming demeanor, espousing inclusivity, showing genuine interest in others, volunteering to help in any way possible, and being extremely considerate in all circumstances. I have also personally benefitted from your mentoring. Literally, from my first day as a new assistant professor until now, you have offered a listening ear, provided sage advice, and offered support. You consistently invest in the personal growth of others, and because of this, you inspire others to do the same. Thank you so much for being a cherished colleague, mentor, and friend.

With love, Jamie

Fred Brinkley and Debra Smith

Dear Ken:

As you celebrate your retirement from The University of Texas College of Pharmacy, Debra and I celebrate with you. What an amazing career you have enjoyed and how many lives you have touched and enhanced!

I think about the years we have known one another, the meetings and conferences we have attended, and the conversations we have shared. I certainly appreciated the guidance you offered me while teaching the pharmacy law course. You definitely helped me “navigate” the world of academia. In addition, I have admired your commitment and dedication to the College of Pharmacy and the profession of pharmacy, your exemplary character and unwavering integrity, and your devotion to research and teaching. You have been a model of excellence to those around you, and I know you will continue to demonstrate this quality in the next chapter of your life.

Debra and I wish you the very best as you pursue your next endeavor (and perhaps that will be rest, relaxation, and recreation!). We wish you good health and much happiness, and we hope our paths will continue to cross.

With appreciation, Fred and Debra

CAROLYN BROWN

My Road dog and Go to…

For all that you did (and do) from welcoming me from Day 1… to drilling holes and hanging all of my office shelves and frames… to our long talks… to our annual flu shots… to waiting until my meeting with that student was over (remember?)… to our (way back) walks to our cars…loved it all! You were always there for me! Thank you!

Enjoy your retirement and loving up on your grandkids!

With much love - Carolyn

Donna Burkett (Rogers)

Ken was one of my professors in graduate school during my Option II program. He taught a course on research methodology and it was obvious how intelligent he is. I graduated in 2000 and joined the UTCOP faculty in August 2011. My office was next to Ken’s in the same suite. My most memorable moments about Ken were the 8 years that we were on faculty together. He was my friend and mentor. I remember that I asked him a thousand questions when I first joined the faculty and he was always so kind and willing to answer and explain in detail. His door was always open to meet with students and other faculty members.

Someone told me that they knew Ken in undergraduate school and that he was super smart. I told Ken what I had heard and he turned red as a beet with embarrassment!

Dr. Ken Lawson is a “prince of a guy.”

Lung-I Cheng

Dear Dr. Lawson (aka Red Pen Ken), I was fortunate and honored to have you on both my master’s and PhD committees. You made an impact on so many of us with your warmth, wisdom, and professionalism. You have inspired many, and it is hard to imagine UT without you. Congratulations on your retirement!

Stephanie Y. Crawford

Ken, UT has been fortunate to have you as one of its most dedicated alums and faculty members. More than half of your life has been spent at one place. Wow. You’ve given a lot, mentored many students, and left a lasting legacy of accomplishments. Being in the same graduate student cohort, you and I sort of grew up together. At least one of us is still in touch with their inner child!

Wishing you and your family much continued happiness as life’s journey leads you into happy retirement. BTW, I remember when I gave your daughter, Sara (maybe 2-3 years old), a little stuffed animal. After putting her to bed, you heard her say, “I love you, “ to which you replied, “I love you, too, Honey.” Without missing a beat, she said “Not you, Daddy” and mentioned her new stuffed buddy. I’m sure you’ve come up in the love category by now.

- Stephanie

Lynn Crismon

Ken Lawson is well known for being one of the most outstanding teachers on our faculty, Not only is he a great teacher, he is also a fantastic mentor. As the ‘go to’ person for statistical design in the Health Outcomes Division, it seems that all of the graduate students want him on their committees. Even if he is not on their committee, they still come to him for statistical advice. Ken has also been generous with his time in assisting individuals’ in the Dean’s Office with analysis of outcomes data that are important to the College’s mission and accreditation.

Ken has always been a team player and has repeatedly put others, particularly students, before himself. I particularly appreciate him helping me out while I was serving as dean of the college.

Ken is one of the kindest and most generous faculty in the College of Pharmacy, and he will be missed by all. Best of luck during the next phase of your life plan, and remember that it is ‘preferment’, not retirement.

Som Ghosh

It has been an absolute honor to work with Dr. Lawson. He advised me on my MS thesis and is currently advising me on my PhD dissertation.

To me Dr. Lawson is the epitome of three qualities that make him an exceptional advisor and mentor:

1. Patience: He has been exceptionally patient with me and allowed me the time that I needed to progress in my research. I have never seen him not calm.

2. Ability to listen: I have on innumerable occasions discussed study objectives and ideas that were lacking good sense. Each time his his thorough feedback refined my thoughts.

3. Kindness: He has been exceptionally kind towards me and provided me the opportunities that I needed to grow as an independent researcher.

I try to incorporate the above qualities in my interaction with colleagues everyday.

Dr. Lawson also interviewed me for admission to the program. I am so happy and grateful that I was able to attend UTCOP and receive training under his supervision.

My respect!

Som

Tina Grahmann Stavinoha

I met Dr Lawson when I started pharmacy school in 1988-89. He was a grad student and then became a professor. We were one of his first Pharmacy Administration classes. What I appreciated most about him was his ability to connect with his students. He truly cared about us and it showed in how he interacted with us, always professional but willing to listen and help. After graduation, I worked in hospital pharmacy and found my way back to campus at least once or twice a year to lecture to first year students. Ken was always one of the professors that I stopped in to see along with Dr Shepard and Dr Rascati. I got to know him better when I enrolled in the Option II Program and spent 2 years working on a MS degree. He is an accomplished professor and researcher and also someone that I will always call a friend. Ken…I wish you the best as you begin your retirement. Enjoy this time! You deserve it!

Trish Harrington (UT 2001-2006)

Wishing you the very best of luck on your retirement. I have fantastic memories of my time in UT. In particular, I remember your clear explanations, patience and calm demeanour (no matter how ridiculous the question or suggestion). You were an excellent role model and mentor. I am sorry I cannot make it over to the celebrations, but would love to catch up if ever you make it to Ireland.

Rania Kattura

Dr Lawson had a great way to teaching ensuring that his students enjoyed statistics and pharmacy administration.

He comes across as serious but as you know him you learn of his compassion and care for his students. Thank you for fine-tuning my research skills and I still remember the stats when reading any article. Congrats on your retirement!

Yi Liang

Dr. Lawson, thank you so much for your time, advice, and support throughout my graduate studies. I learned so much from all the feedback you gave me!

Wallace Marsh

While Ken Kirk was the original ‘Red Pen Ken’, Ken Lawson carried on the tradition nicely as ‘little Red Pen Ken’. He improved my writing skills tremendously and I’ll be forever grateful for his editing of my papers. You will be missed for sure.

Radhika Nair

Whenever I dropped off any chapter from my dissertation for Dr. Lawson to review, I always dropped off some red pens too for him to use!

His door was always open for students to just chat, ask questions and brainstorm. I am so thankful for his guidance and patience, not only during my graduate school years but even now.

Poorva Nemlekar

I joined the program in summer of 2008 and I came across one of the nicest, most understanding and helpful person on my first day and that was Dr. Lawson. He was on my supervising committee. When I struggled coming up with research topic talking to him would always put me at ease. I remember the first time I submitted my thesis draft, Dr. Lawson had comments all over with red ink and colorful sticky notes. He would thoroughly read any submissions and go above and beyond to explain things out.

Dr. Lawson, I would like to thank you immensely for all that you have done for your students. Best wishes for your retirement!

Gloria Odonkor

Dr. Lawson, thanks for always being there for us in your multitude of roles; one of my favorites being our photographer for our headshots for the health outcomes wall. Lol. It has been great working with you as a member of my thesis committee and I am grateful for all the help and advice you give. You will be sorely missed!

Motolani Ogunsanya

Dr. Lawson!

Wow! Congrats on your retirement. There were a lot of lasting memories at UT, and you are definitely one of them. Your class on health policy was an eyeopener for me as it helped develop my voice in class. In addition, you created an atmosphere that fostered an open exchange of ideas which was quite a feat, as this was around when the ACA was passed into law. This unique teaching style is one I still use to date in my classroom - so thank you very much.

Having you on my dissertation committee was a dream come true because I didn’t get a chance to work with you before. I also knew you were particular about certain things, but I was up to the task as I knew it would make me a better scientist. For example, I knew to make sure that all my cumulative percentages added up to 100% and use the right statistical method for my data analysis. One of my fondest memories was the data analysis class in the Summer of 2012. I was apprehensive, but how you taught the class, especially the SPSS portion, helped build my confidence in data analysis.

Finally, thank you for your gentle spirit, quiet confidence, and how you always had something very encouraging and uplifting to say. I wish you the very best in this new phase of your life. Thank you!

Chanhyun Park

Dr. Lawson has been an excellent mentor throughout my graduate work and even after graduation. His kindness and thoughtfulness have helped me realize and fulfill what I expect of myself. I appreciate him for being such a fabulous role model. I hope to become the kind of mentor to my students that he has been to me.

Nick Patel

The one thing I remember about Dr. Lawson is his demeanor. He always carried a smile and brought a certain calmness to the room. To be honest, I am not sure I can ever recall an instance when I saw him mad (definitely not saying he doesn’t get mad). Dr. Lawson made it easy to connect with him, which I appreciated tremendously during my tenure at the College of Pharmacy.

Rachel Raia

When I got overwhelmed while working on my dissertation, Dr. Lawson told me that he believed in me and knew I could do it. His kind words of encouragement motivated me to keep moving forward.

Ahmed Saleh Kenawy

My best personal photo ever was taken by Dr. Lawson. I am using this photo for both official and personal issues. When I came to the program earlier this year, I intended to choose Dr. Lawson or Dr. Rascati as an advising professor. Unfortunately, they are retiring this year. I wish them all the best.

Julieta Scalo

At the College of Pharmacy, I found the family I never had growing up. That started with Dr. Lawson. In my first year of pharmacy school, he took the time to recognize me personally for a small contribution I made to one of the student organizations. He was, for me, the first and best example--among many at the college--of what seems like an impossibly idealistic combination of academic and scholarly excellence with compassionate and beneficent guidance. I have always imagined that a good father figure provides an example of the right way to approach the world, gives helpful advice and guidance on accomplishing tasks correctly and successfully, and instills a sense of safety, acceptance, and confidence. Dr. Lawson, you modeled ethical and kind treatment of others, helped me become a better writer and more careful scholar, and always made me feel at home and welcome in your presence. Thank you for being both a rock and a haven when I really needed both. I’ll be forever grateful.

Natasha Shcherbakova

Dr Lawson’s red pen has made me a better writer and a better reviewer. His kind and encouraging way of saying ‘consider doing XYZ’ has made a big difference in my academic writing. I still keep the paper from fall 2007 Managed Care class reviewed and graded by Dr Lawson. Dr. Lawson’s thoughtful and kind advice when I headed for academic job interviews is still highly treasured. Thank you for all your support over these years, Dr Lawson!

Lonnie Wen

Dr. Lawson was my supervisor for my master’s thesis and served on my dissertation committee. I learned so much about research methods and data analysis and this has helped me tremendously with my career. Thank you Dr. Lawson for your support.

Benjamin Wong

I am extremely delighted to express my gratitude to Dr. Lawson for his constant guidance, encouragement and support. Dr. Lawson reminded me to review my Statistics when attending the data analysis class in the summer. I always learned something new from him by attending his class.

a U T O G r a P h