2025 Distinguished Alumni

Jay

Vollet

Jay Vollet's professional career spans over four decades in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He earned a BA and MS in Cell Biology from Texas Tech University, followed by a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Kansas State University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in tumor virology and served as an assistant professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

Vollet began his industry career at Pfizer and Pharmacia in 1999 as a senior oncology consultant, where he was recognized with the Operational Excellence Award in 2002. He supported several investigator-initiated trial grants and Phase IV trials and led Pfizer’s exhibit at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

In 2010, Vollet joined UCB, Inc. as a senior medical sciences liaison, focusing on immunology and rheumatology. He led UCB-sponsored clinical trials at over 20 research sites and was awarded "MSL of the Year" for his work.

From 2016 to 2023, Vollet worked at Amgen, Inc. as a senior medical sciences liaison, specializing in immunology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. He led three Phase 2B trials in systemic lupus and ulcerative colitis and was recognized as Amgen’s "Innovator of the Year" for his work with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, helping to establish key clinical trial agreements and develop new research opportunities.

Vollet remains engaged with Texas Tech University, where he is a member of the Chancellor’s Council and the Matador Club. He has endowed two professorships in cell, molecular, and immunology in honor of his grandfather and himself. Vollet is also a founding member and past president of the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Alumni Council.

In retirement, Vollet continues his commitment to service, volunteering with the Knights of Malta to feed the homeless in Dallas and working with students at Bishop Dunne Catholic High School to prepare them for careers in healthcare.

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