Catalyzes the phosphorylation of pantothenate (Pan), the first step in CoA biosynthesis. Activates transcription of the pertussis toxin operon in a BvgAS-dependent manner. May interact with the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase. (R)-pantothenate + ATP = (R)-4'-phosphopantothenate + ADP + H(+) A monovalent cation. Ammonium or potassium. Cofactor biosynthesis; coenzyme A biosynthesis; CoA from (R)-pantothenate: step 1/5. Homodimer. Belongs to the type III pantothenate kinase family.