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Dean Robert M. Craft, MD, to Retire After More Than Three Decades of Service

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Knoxville (UTHSC COM-Knoxville) will soon bid farewell to its fifth dean, Robert M. Craft, MD, who has served the institution for more than 30 years. Dr. Craft announced that he will retire on December 31, 2025.

Dr. Craft first came to UTHSC COM-Knoxville, formerly the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM), in 1987 as UT medical student. He later completed his Anesthesiology residency at the UTGSM, followed by a neuroanesthesiology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, and returned in 1994 as a staff anesthesiologist. Over the years, he has served as faculty member, residency program director, department chair, and ultimately dean. His national involvement in graduate medical education and anesthesiology leadership helped shape his approach to academic growth and mentorship.

As chair of the Department of Anesthesiology from 2015 to 2022, Dr. Craft oversaw major growth in clinical care, education programs, and research initiatives. From 2015 to 2022, the Department added three new fellowships while also expanding to 40 faculty, 40 residents and 100 CRNA’s. Under his leadership, the department ranked in the top quartile of anesthesiology programs in NIH funding through a $3.5 million collaboration with UTK. His work as a researcher and national leader in anesthesiology further elevated the department’s academic profile.

As dean, Dr. Craft has laid the foundation for a 25% expansion in graduate medical education positions, including the new Pediatric Residency in partnership with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, thus strengthening the clinical foundation needed for future growth. He also guided the campus through the transition from UTGSM to UTHSC COM-Knoxville. The change aligned the campus name with its expanding academic mission and reinforced its role in education, research, and patient care. The name change stands as a defining moment in his legacy, reflecting his vision of Knoxville’s medical campus as a full academic partner within the UT system.

Reflecting on his upcoming retirement, Dr. Craft shared that his decision came after careful consideration of both professional and personal priorities. "This was not a decision I made quickly. Our work here has meant a great deal to me, and it is hard to step away from something that has shaped so much of my life. Earlier this year, I realized that many of the goals in front of us are three-to-five-year efforts. I knew that my career runway was not long enough to see those through myself, and I did not want to slow our progress by handing things off too late," said Dr. Craft. "At the same time, I have reached a point where my family needs more of my time, and not more of the resources my work provides. So, the timing felt right both professionally and personally."

When asked about the accomplishments that stand out most from his time at UTHSC COM-Knoxville, Dr. Craft highlighted the collaborative work that has shaped the institution’s growth."The aspect I value the most is the mentorship and relationships across generations. I have had the privilege of learning from those who came before me and then being able to invest in the people coming up behind me. Seeing students become residents, then faculty, and then leaders in their own right is one of the greatest rewards. That continuity of mentorship is truly an extended family that keeps renewing itself," said Dr. Craft.

"I am also proud of the growth we have achieved together. We expanded residency and fellowship programs, strengthened our partnerships, and secured the affiliation with East Tennessee Children's Hospital, which sets us up for the future. The name change to the College of Medicine was a big step too, because it reflects who we already are and where we are going. These accomplishments were never just mine, but I am glad I could help move them forward," Dr. Craft added.

Looking ahead, Dr. Craft expressed confidence in the future of the campus. "My hope is that this campus continues to grow but keeps the culture that makes it special. We are on track for a fully integrated medical education environment that connects the UTHSC COM-Knoxville, UT Knoxville, and our hospital partners in one space where clinical care, education, and research happen side by side. I believe the ultimate goal should be growth that strengthens our identity without losing the sense of community that has always defined this campus."

Assistant deans, who have worked closely with Dr. Craft, reflected on his leadership and the impact of his career. "It has been a privilege to work with Dr. Craft during his tenure as dean. As a department chair, I have greatly appreciated the depth of insight he brings from his prior experience as a program director and department chair, qualities that have clearly shaped his thoughtful and effective leadership style," said Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs and Faculty Development Anthony Wilson, MD. "In my role as assistant dean, I have also witnessed his genuine commitment to collaboration and his openness to input from the executive leadership team of the UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville. Dr. Craft will be deeply missed on our campus, but his positive impact and legacy of leadership will continue to be felt for years to come."

Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration Amanda Wilson, MBA, echoed those sentiments, "His vision, integrity, and collaborative spirit have advanced our mission and inspired those of us who have had the privilege of working with him. Beyond his many accomplishments, I will remember him for his kindness and the respect he showed to everyone around him."

Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical and Dental Education and Designated Institutional Official (DIO) Tina M. Dudney, MD added her perspective as well. "It has been an honor to serve under the transformational leadership of Dr. Craft, who truly exemplifies the concept of a servant leader. His extensive prior experiences as Program Director for the Anesthesiology Residency and his tenure as Chair of the Anesthesiology Department provided a foundation in leadership that resulted in exceptional clarity of vision, dexterity in consensus building, and demonstrated commitment to the mission of medical education. In his role as Dean of the UTHSC College of Medicine Knoxville, he has been a catalyst for growth and innovation, inspiring and supporting those whom he leads. The enormity of his legacy will become even more evident as the multiple initiatives he has instituted come to fruition."

A transition plan is already underway. Dr. Jonathan Wall, Assistant Dean of Research, will serve as Interim Dean beginning January 1, 2026, with Dr. Craft helping onboard him into the role. A national search for a permanent successor will follow.

Dr. Craft leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and dedication to the UTHSC COM-Knoxville community. His leadership has shaped generations of physicians and strengthened Knoxville's role as a center for medical education, research, and patient care.

Posted December, 9 2025