Robert Nobles, DrPH, MPH

Education:

• Ph.D., Health Policy and Management, Epidemiology, Health Economics, University of Texas Health Science Center
• M.P.H., Epidemiology, Florida A&M University
• B.S., Molecular Biology, Florida A&M University

Background:

Dr. Robert Nobles, DrPH, MPH, joined Florida A&M University as the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Enterprise & Research Innovation on May 1, 2026. His arrival marked a “homecoming,” as Dr. Nobles received his Bachelors in Molecular Biology and Masters of Public Health degrees from FAMU approximately three decades ago. While at FAMU, Dr. Nobles has the transformational goal of converting FAMU into a Carnegie R1 classified institution, which is the designation for research universities with the highest level of research activity, doctoral programs, and scholarly publications. Dr. Nobles is especially skilled at mobilizing institutions to reach ambitious goals, while maximizing exceptional talent and collaborations to strengthen and architect new and existing programs and opportunities.  

Prior to arriving on the “Hill” of Florida A&M University, Dr. Nobles served as the Vice President for Research Administration at Emory University where he oversaw a $1.1B research enterprise supported by over 500 professionals.  To accomplish more than 50% growth in less than 5 years, he leveraged partnerships across the university and provided strategic and operational direction for all major research administrative functions—from compliance and grant management to technology transfer. Prior to FAMU and Emory, Dr. Nobles held research leadership at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Texas A&M, University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nationally, Dr. Nobles serves on the Executive Committee of the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), chairs the finance and audit committee for the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) board of directors, and serves on the Advisory Council of Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research (PRIM&R). He is also the Deputy Director for the SECURE Center, which is a $50M NSF funded national research security initiative. With a doctorate in public health and training in health policy, epidemiology, health economics and molecular biology, Dr. Nobles brings a unique, practical, and strategic approach to research growth and excellence.