Danny Jensen, executive who lobbied for growth of UNT Health Science Center, has died
Danny Jensen, a leader in governmental affairs for the University of North Texas system since 1984, died Sunday.
Jensen is being remembered as a caring person who loved the history of the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth. He joined the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the founding institution for what is now the Health Science Center, in 1984, according to the university’s website. His career took him to the position of associate vice chancellor of governmental affairs, directing political and legislative affairs for the Health Science Center.
“He became a fixture in Austin and all across Texas advocating for TCOM and UNTHSC. He was instrumental in gaining state support for many of the buildings on campus,” the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine posted on Facebook. “His heart was as big as the State of Texas. Please pray for his family. We will miss him.”
Jensen started his career with the Health Science Center as executive director of external government affairs. In 1991 he was appointed associate vice president for governmental affairs and, in 1995, was named vice president.
His work included “identifying funds to establish the Center for Human Identification, the HSC’s accredited forensic laboratory that is globally recognized for its leadership in forensic identification,” according to a 2020 article on the university’s website naming him one of 50 heroes in the HSC’s 50-year history.
His work was also vital in gaining state support for Health Science Center projects like the Gibson D. Lewis Library, Medical Education and Training Building, the UNT System College of Pharmacy, the Health Pavilion and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
“In his 37-year career with the University of North Texas System, his kindness touched the lives of many,” the Health Science Center posted on Facebook.
Jeff Carlton, a spokesman for the University of Texas at Arlington who previously worked at the Health Science Center, said on Twitter he knew Jensen as “a first-class human, funny as hell and one of my favorite people at UNTHSC.”
Jensen took an interest in Carlton’s family’s needs even after Carlton left to work at UTA, he said.
Staff writer Jessika Harkay contributed to this report.