John Regan Receives Emeritus Status
John Regan, PhD, professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, has had a profound impact on students and scientific research throughout his 36-year tenure. As professor emeritus, he will remain an integral part of the academic community, continuing his involvement in research and mentorship.
Regan’s contributions to the college and pharmacology have been nothing short of exceptional. Since joining the college in 1989, he has authored 172 peer-reviewed publications, garnered over 15,000 citations, and achieved an H-index of 59, a testament to the lasting impact his research has had on science and medicine. Approximately 80% of his publications were produced during his tenure here at the University of Arizona, underscoring his sustained commitment and scholarly productivity.
His scientific achievements have advanced our understanding of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), critical targets for many of today’s therapeutics. From his early days working alongside Nobel Laureates Drs. Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka, to the cloning of novel prostanoid receptors in his lab, Regan’s research has helped shape the molecular pharmacology landscape. His 1994 discovery of a novel human receptor for prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) marked a turning point in his career and established his laboratory’s independent scientific standing.
“At the time, I was a ‘newbie’ to this field, having joined the university just over four years earlier. For nearly two decades, researchers believed that there were only three receptors for PGE₂,” says Regan. “Our discovery of a fourth receptor took many in the field by surprise and redefined an entire area of pharmacological research.”
But research only tells part of the story. To more than 3,000 future pharmacists, Regan has been a defining presence. A ten-time recipient of the college’s Basic Science Educator of the Year Award, the most in our history, he has remained a student favorite for over two decades. His signature advice for students, “Good luck on the exam — AND DON’T CHANGE YOUR ANSWERS!!” is etched into the memories of countless graduates. Yet it is his dedication to helping students think deeply about how and why drugs work that defines his educational legacy.
“Teaching pharmacology to PharmD students has been the most consistently gratifying part of my career. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to teach these students. My goal has always been to make the subject engaging, so students not only enjoy the course but also develop a lifelong interest in pharmacology. I want them to go beyond memorizing drug names and begin to understand how and why drugs work.”
Regan’s impact extends beyond the classroom and lab. He has served on numerous college and departmental committees, often in leadership roles. From chairing the Faculty Status Committee for a combined 19 years to guiding the Curriculum and Admissions Committees, his commitment to shared governance and institutional integrity has helped shape the college's direction and culture. He has also fostered a collegial, supportive environment, always willing to lend an ear or advice to faculty colleagues.
As he notes, “A positive work environment is built on mutual respect, open communication, and transparency. When people trust one another and feel heard, they’re more likely to enjoy their work and contribute meaningfully to the college’s mission. Trust and respect create a community that people genuinely want to be a part of.”
Beyond his formal roles, Regan is known among colleagues as a thoughtful mentor, a collegial collaborator, and a tireless advocate for students and faculty alike. “John has always been a friendly and helpful colleague, a sentiment shared by most of the faculty in my department,” shares Xinxin Ding, PhD, department head of Pharmacology and Toxicology. “He is a tireless worker and is always available as a sounding board for faculty who want to talk about their research, their teaching, their personal life, or whatever. He has always put the interests of the students, the department, and the college at the top of his agenda.”
Regan received several notable awards during his tenure, including the Eli Lilly Pharmacology Award and the Syntex Prize in Receptor Pharmacology. Perhaps the award that Regan is most proud of is his receipt in 1996 of an honorary Doctor of Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of Linköping University in Sweden. This prestigious award honors his contributions to the field of receptor pharmacology, which includes the cloning of one of the first members of the family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). His work has been acknowledged and featured in the Nobel lectures of his former collaborators, underscoring the foundational nature of his scientific contributions.