Excellence and Impact of the Academic Enterprise
2025 Provost’s Report
A Foundation for Discovery, Education, and Impact
At The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), the Academic Enterprise stands as the foundation of the institution’s mission and impact, advancing education, discovery, and patient care in service to communities across Texas and around the world. Encompassing the full breadth of our academic community –students, trainees, faculty, and staff – the enterprise thrives on a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Through sustained investment in people and resources, UTMB continues to cultivate an environment where scholarship flourishes, careers take shape, and transformative ideas become reality. As home to the university’s five schools – the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, John Sealy School of Medicine, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, and School of Public and Population Health – the Academic Enterprise is united by a vision to improve health while shaping the future of medicine and science.
Where Purpose Meets Passion
Total Student Enrollment 3,604 Faculty Count 1,209
Our Four Missions: Education Research Clinical Care Innovation
Our Values: INSPIRE Integrity, Nurture, Synergy, Passion, Initiative, Respect, and Excellence
A Message from the Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer, UTMB
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) stands at a powerful intersection of history, innovation, and purpose. Since our founding more than 135 years ago, UTMB has been driven by its mission to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals, advance knowledge through discovery, and improve the health of communities across Texas and beyond.
This mission has not only been sustained – it has strengthened. Our academic, research, and clinical programs continue to generate meaningful, measurable impact. Across our Academic Enterprise, students and trainees benefit from rigorous, interdisciplinary, innovative curricula grounded in scientific excellence and compassionate care. Faculty scholarship and research advance understanding in biomedical science, clinical innovation, population health, and health systems transformation.
FY25 marked significant progress in the expansion of innovative academic and research programs. UTMB has continued to invest in new educational models, emerging disciplines, dual-degree programs, and translational research pathways that better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of healthcare, science, and public service.
Throughout our storied history, UTMB has faced extraordinary challenges, including devastating hurricanes that tested our infrastructure, operations, human capital, and resolve. Each time, the UTMB community adapted with ingenuity and determination. That resilience remains a defining strength of UTMB today.
We honor our institution’s history while embracing change. As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering excellence across all our missions, expanding opportunity, and translating knowledge into impact for the people we serve.
I am deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, learners, and partners whose dedication makes this work possible. Their commitment is the foundation of our continued success. The FY25 Academic Enterprise Impact Report affirms what we can achieve together, as we carry our mission forward with purpose, passion, resilience, and vision.
Sincerely yours,
Susan Chubinskaya, PhD, MS Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer
The University of
Texas Medical
Branch
Contents
1. Letter from Dr. Susan Chubinskaya
2. Our Educational Impact
4. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
6. John Sealy School of Medicine
8. School of Health Professions
10. School of Nursing
12. School of Public and Population Health
14. Health Education Center
16. Faculty Development
18. Our Research Mission
20. Student Experiences and Engagement
Our Mission:
The Provost oversees the entire Academic Enterprise, serving as an advocate for the interests of all our students, trainees, and members of our faculty and staff.
The Provost’s Office works to ensure continued excellence in all areas of our academic mission. We are fully committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We are resolute in our commitment to provide the best available resources to help our Academic Enterprise flourish and fulfill our overall mission to improve health for the people of Texas and beyond.
The Provost provides leadership and support to all five schools at the University of Texas Medical Branch: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, John Sealy School of Medicine, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, and School of Public and Population Health.
Our Educational Impact
At UTMB, education is a central component of our institutional mission: to improve health by offering innovative education and training, pursuing cutting-edge research, and providing the highest quality patient care. Through dynamic, learner-centered programs, we prepare the next generation of physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals to lead with knowledge, compassion, and integrity. Grounded in research, clinical excellence, and service, UTMB schools equip learners to meet today’s healthcare challenges and shape the future of academic medicine.
EDUCATION MISSION HIGHLIGHTS
Strengthening Workforce Pipelines
In FY25, UTMB made tangible progress on its education mission by expanding access to health professions education, launching new workforce‑aligned programs, and strengthening practice‑ready training in high‑need areas of Texas. The following highlights represent new initiatives that further strengthen a broad and ongoing commitment to health professions education.
The School of Nursing’s Nurse Anesthesia (DNP) program welcomed its first cohort, marking a major expansion of advanced practice nursing education. With Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in short supply, the program strengthens the university’s graduate nursing portfolio and prepares highly specialized clinicians, directly supporting Texas’ healthcare workforce needs.
The School of Nursing’s new Correctional Nursing Care certificate leverages the institution’s national leadership in correctional health – an underserved arena requiring specialized clinical, ethical, and population-based competencies. This targeted, practice-ready training creates an accessible pathway for nurses already working in correctional or public service settings.
The School of Health Professions launched its hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the UT Education and Research Center at Laredo (Texas) significantly expanding access to advanced health professions education in a medically underserved border region.
* Includes licensed and leadership/research doctorates | Data provided by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Developing Entrepreneurial Skillsets
The Office of Innovation and Commercialization hosts training programs designed to foster growth at every level of the entrepreneurial journey, enriching the educational experience for UTMB students and others. These training programs provide opportunities to enhance the development of entrepreneurial skillsets and connect with business mentors.
The Entrepreneurship Training Program pairs UTMB students and trainees with UTMB innovators for the complex journey of taking novel technologies from concept to commercialization.
The Innovation Fellowship Program equips students with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of technology commercialization, bridging the gap between research and industry.
The Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp brings together undergraduate, graduate, and medical students for an immersive week of learning, collaboration, and creative problem solving, exploring the intersection of biomedical science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Advancing Interprofessional Continuing Education
Established in fall 2024, the Office of Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) advances faculty development by supporting high-quality continuing education that fosters lifelong learning and professional growth.
Through partnerships with faculty, departments, and program leaders, IPCE delivers collaborative, interprofessional learning experiences that strengthen practice, expand faculty impact, and ultimately improve outcomes across all mission areas.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) fuels discovery and innovation through rigorous training in the biomedical sciences. By fostering a research-intensive environment that emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and scientific excellence, the school prepares graduate students to become leaders in academia, industry, and beyond. The GSBS is committed to advancing knowledge and translating science into solutions, bolstering the university’s leadership in research and innovation.
Academic Year 2024-25 Graduates
PhD - 20 MD-PhD - 4
Master of Science - 6
Academic Programs List
Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (PhD)
Experimental Pathology (PhD)
Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine (PhD)
Master of Medical Science (MS)
MD-PhD Combined Degree Program (with JSSOM)
Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
Neuroscience (PhD)
Pharmacology and Toxicology (PhD and MS)
*
Student Success and Outcomes Data
“I am mentored by some of the best people in the field and have access to the best resources.”
John Sealy School of Medicine
The John Sealy School of Medicine (JSSOM) stands at the heart of the UTMB academic mission, integrating medical education, research, and clinical care to shape the future of medicine. With a proud legacy of training physician leaders, the school fosters curiosity, scientific rigor, and humanism in medicine while preparing learners to meet the complex challenges of modern healthcare. Through discovery, innovation, and service, the JSSOM advances knowledge and delivers meaningful impact for patients across Texas and beyond.
Academic Programs List
Total Student Enrollment
1,131 Faculty Count 1,000
Academic Year 2024-25 Graduates
310
MD Program - 221
PA Program - 89
Undergraduate Medical Education (MD) Includes dual/combined degree options below:
• MD/PhD (with GSBS)
• MD/MS
• MD/MBA (with UH-Clear Lake)
• MD/MPH (with SPPH)
Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
More than 50% of MD Program students participated in one or more areas of scholarly concentration through:
• Aerospace Medicine
• Bilingual Health
• Community Engaged Public Health
• Global Health
• Geriatric Health
• Learn to Lead
• Physician Healer
• Rural Health
• Translational Research
Match Day
JSSOM MD students celebrated Match Day on March 21, 2025. The Class of 2025 had a 100% match rate – the highest in the school’s history! These students learned where they will complete their residency training and in what specialties –a pivotal part of their medical career journeys.
Matches included:
• 46% in Primary Care
• 62% in Texas
• 35% in UT System
• 15% at UTMB
Student success and outcomes data:
MD: United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• Step 1
96% pass rate compared to 93% national average*
• Step 2
100% pass rate compared to 98% national average*
MD: 93% board certification and licensure pass rate
PA: 91% board certification and licensure pass rate
*among first time test takers
“UTMB has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician while also allowing me to meet so many incredible people along the way. Through my experiences here, I have learned lessons not only about medicine but also about myself.”
MD student
School of Health Professions
ESTABLISHED IN 1968
The School of Health Professions (SHP) plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of allied healthcare professionals who serve on the front lines of patient care and community health. Through innovative, interprofessional education and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, the school equips graduates with the skills, compassion, and adaptability required in an evolving healthcare landscape. Grounded in collaboration and excellence, the SHP develops a strong healthcare workforce and improves outcomes for patients and communities.
Academic Programs List
Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program includes the following:
• Doctor of Clinical Laborator y Sciences (DCLS)
• Medical Laborator y Sciences (BS, MS)
• Pathologists’ Assistant (MS)
• Transfusion Medicine (MS)
• Certificates (Post-BS, Post-MS)
Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Respiratory Therapy (MSRT)
Health Professions (MS)
Physical Therapy (DPT)
Nutrition Sciences and Health Behavior (MS/DI, DCN)
Occupational Therapy Program at Laredo
In August 2025, SHP launched the inaugural Doctor of Occupational Therapy class at the University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo (Texas).
The program is the first hybrid occupational therapy program offered by a public university in Texas. This milestone marks a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced healthcare education in medically underserved regions.
Ranked #23 among U.S. schools of allied health professions for NIH funding (Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, FY24)
“UTMB exceeded expectations. Faculty members, many of whom are board-certified specialists and fellowship-trained, provided expert instruction that went beyond entrylevel expectations.”
Doctor of Physical Therapy student
Student success and outcomes data:
Board Certification and Licensure Pass Rates
• MLS: 94%
• Nutrition and Metabolism: 100%
• Occupational Therapy: 98%
• Physical Therapy: 95%
• Respiratory Therapy: 100%
Undergraduate Placement and Employment Rate
BS-MLS: 100%
School of Nursing
ESTABLISHED IN 1890
The School of Nursing (SON) advances the university’s commitment to health through excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. Preparing nurses across the educational continuum, the school emphasizes leadership, evidence based care, and patient centered practice. By cultivating skilled and compassionate professionals and contributing to nursing scholarship, the SON strengthens health systems and improves the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Faculty Count 82
Total Student Enrollment
1,314
Academic Year 2024-25 Graduates 451
Academic Programs List
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Includes the following tracks:
• Traditional BSN
• RN-BSN
Certificates (Post-BSN/MSN)
Includes the following:
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Correctional Nursing Care
• Rural Telehealth Certificate (Continued)
“The support is incredible and makes me proud to be a UTMB student. I have gained so much confidence in myself and in my practice, which has allowed me to advocate for my patients in the clinical setting.”
Bachelor of Science in Nursing student
Academic Programs List (Continued)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Includes the following tracks:
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Executive Nurse Leader
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Includes the following tracks:
• BSN to DNP (Nurse Practitioner)
• BSN to DNP (Nurse Anesthesia)
• MSN to DNP
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Includes the following tracks:
• BSN to PhD
• MSN to PhD
10-year CCNE Accreditation
The SON received full 10-year accreditation, the maximum term awarded, with no citations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) following a rigorous evaluation process and a multi-day site visit. Accreditation by CCNE serves as a mark of quality and accountability, ensuring that nursing programs meet the highest standards in curriculum, faculty, student outcomes, and continuous improvement.
Student success and outcomes data:
Board Certification and Licensure Pass Rates
• BSN: 100%
• MSN Adult Gerontology, Acute Care: 78%
• MSN Adult Gerontology, Primary Care: 100%
• MSN Family Nurse Practitioner: 91%
• MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 80%
• MSN Clinical Nurse Leader: 100%
Undergraduate Placement and Employment Rate
BSN: 97%
U.S.NewsandWorldReport
“Best Online Master’s Degree Programs” rankings: Master of Science in Nursing: #10 (ranked #1in Texas)
“Best Master’s Programs for Veterans” rankings: Master of Science in Nursing: #5
“Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs” rankings: Family Nurse Practitioner Program: #10
School of Public and Population Health
ESTABLISHED IN 2022
The School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) addresses health at its broadest scale, focusing on prevention, health for all, and the social and structural factors that shape well-being. Through interdisciplinary education and impactful research, the school prepares leaders equipped to tackle complex public health challenges and improve population outcomes. Its work translates data and discovery into strategies that promote healthier communities locally and globally.
Total Student Enrollment
Academic Programs List
Bioethics and Health Humanities (MA, PhD)
Population Health Sciences (PhD)
Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD)
Aerospace Medicine (MS)
Biostatistics and Data Science (MS)
(Continued)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Includes the following tracks:
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Public Health Practice
• Bioethics
• MD/MPH dual degree (with JSSOM)
Certificates
Includes the following:
• Bioethics and Health Humanities
• Global Health
• Public Health
• Biostatistics
Aerospace Medicine
SPPH is home to the institution’s Aerospace Medicine program, founded in 1993 as a joint collaboration between UTMB and NASA Johnson Space Center, with over 30 years of leadership in aerospace medicine education and training.
• Setting the gold standard of excellence for accredited space medicine training, the program is the oldest existing one of its kind
• UTMB has had a long partnership with NASA’s prime contractors to provide medical support to NASA Johnson Space Center.
• UTMB is among four such accredited aerospace medicine programs nationwide, and currently the only one operated by a civilian institution
• UTMB Aerospace Medicine is home to multiple one-of-akind pathways, including joint training programs with both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine.
• Six Aerospace Medicine program graduates have advanced to the highest level of human space exploration, earning selection as astronauts.
Student success and outcomes data:
95% of all SPPH alumni employed or pursuing higher education
SPPH is the second school of public health to be accredited within the University of Texas System.
The UTMB public health program has been accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) since 2002.
Average time to earn a PhD degree: 4.31 years
“The professors not only cared about my goals and passions, but they also genuinely cared about who I am as a person.”
Master of Public Health student
Health Education Center
The Health Education Center (HEC) is the Academic Enterprise’s 161,000-square-foot hub for interprofessional, team-based learning – elevating learner readiness for real-world care. Through immersive scenarios with high-fidelity simulation, standardized patients, and collaborative debriefing, the HEC cultivates clinical excellence, communication, and leadership across disciplines.
The HEC aligns curriculum innovation with patient safety and quality goals, accelerating skill development from the classroom to the bedside. As a catalyst for educational innovation, the HEC strengthens the university’s talent pipeline and advances the mission to improve health for Texas and communities worldwide.
UTMB students who graduated with IPE Scholar Designation:
24 Research studies initiated from the HEC:
14
Individuals who toured the HEC:
1,525
Accreditation
Accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in the areas of Teaching/Education and Assessment (fall 2024)
Accredited by the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) for Standardized Patient Program (spring 2025)
Interprofessional Simulation Center
This state-of-the-art training facility consists of 80,500 square feet dedicated to skill acquisition, patient safety, and interprofessional collaboration. Its simulation modalities range from video assessments and virtual reality to non-human simulation with high fidelity manikins, and human simulation with standardized patients portraying real medical conditions.
Office of Life Support Education and Training (OLSET)
Selected as a finalist for the 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) All-Star Award, OLSET provides AHA courses to healthcare professionals and learners, and leads mock code training – allowing care teams to practice their response to critical events, strengthen communication, and build confidence in a safe, controlled environment. OLSET also reviews every real code event in the UTMB Health System to support continuous learning and improve emergency response practices.
Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice (OIPEP)
Preparing students from multiple health professions to work collaboratively as effective healthcare teams, its mission is to equip learners with the skills needed to excel in team-based care, ultimately advancing health outcomes. The office promotes innovative training experiences grounded in nationally recognized interprofessional core competencies, positioning UTMB at the forefront of interprofessional education for future healthcare professionals.
Events (Core and Non-core): 64
Unique IPE Activities: 19
Non-unique Learners (Core and Non-core): 3,675
Total Learner Contact Hours: 8,172
IPE Activity Participants
Activities: 996
Courses Supported: 90
Learners: 47,511
Total Learner Contact Hours: 135,441
Events: 960
Courses: 22
Non-unique Learners: 7,167
Total Learner Contact Hours: 18,538
“Within the HEC, learners practice and develop skill proficiency required for team-based, safe, quality patient-centered care using evidence-based methodologies and state-of-art technology.”
Faculty Development
The Offices of Faculty Affairs (OFA) and Faculty Development (OFD) are dedicated to cultivating a supportive, inspiring academic environment that enables faculty across all schools and disciplines to thrive. Their mission centers on providing career-spanning resources that advance professional growth while fostering faculty satisfaction and engagement.
Through initiatives spanning career development pathways, adult learning, continuing education, and more, UTMB empowers faculty to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to all mission areas. This comprehensive support structure underscores a commitment to nurturing excellence and development at every career stage.
Partnering with UTMB Faculty to Lead with Excellence in:
• PATIENT CARE
• RESEARCH
• EDUCATION
• INNOVATION
Helping create a thriving community of academic faculty leaders.
Collaborating through policies, programs, resources, and recognition.
Faculty Leadership Collaborative (FLC): Early Career Bootcamp
Advancing Research through Mentorship Teaching Basics Bootcamp
New Faculty Orientation (NFO) AI Series
Faculty HR and Retirement Series
Teaching Excellence and Mentorship (TEAM)
Academy of Master Teachers (AMT) Executive Leadership Series (ELS)
Preparing for Promotion Series
Faculty Leadership Collaborative (FLC): Mid-Career Bootcamp
Faculty Finance Series
Career Development Programming
Programming is thoughtfully crafted to support faculty at every stage of their journey, offering tailored content that uplifts and empowers early career, mid career, and senior faculty alike.
“Presentations offered pearls on leadership skills that can immediately be implemented.”
Mid-Career Bootcamp participant
Faculty from all five UTMB schools as well as other institutions benefit from faculty development programs.
Leadership bootcamp participants from outside UTMB by location:
U.S.
California - 1
Illinois - 2
Kentucky 1
Louisiana - 2
Nebraska 2
New York 1
Pennsylvania - 1
Rhode Island - 1
Texas - 1
Croatia - 1
Faculty Development Programming Categories
Leadership Development Programs
• Faculty Leadership Collaborative (FLC): Early-Career Bootcamp
• Faculty Leadership Collaborative (FLC): Mid-Career Bootcamp
• Advanced Careers in Academia, LLC (Life Leadership Collaborative)
• Executive Leadership Series (ELS) for Department Chairs
• Leadership Development Coaching Camp
Education Mentoring Programs
• Educational Development Day
• Education Week
• Teaching Basics Bootcamp
• Education Pilot Grants
Stand-alone Seminars/Workshops/Series
• New Faculty Orientation
• Academic Career Design Workshop: Harnessing Strengths for Purposeful Growth (Clifton Strengths Inventory)
• Faculty Finance Series (Financial Basics of Academic Health)
• Science that Sticks: PowerPoint Strategies for Clear, Compelling Presentations
• Writing Accountability Groups
Recognition and Community Building
Our community building events continue to strengthen the fabric of campus life. These gatherings honor the outstanding work of our faculty and spark meaningful connections that inspire collaboration, belonging, and shared pride across the university.
Advancing Research Through Mentorship (ARM) Program
• Grant-writing workshop (5-part series)
• Academic writing workshop (4-part series)
Our Research Mission
Research excellence is a defining strength of UTMB. Our institution is distinguished by a vibrant, interdisciplinary research enterprise led by accomplished faculty who advance discovery across basic, translational, clinical, and population health sciences. Through nationally recognized programs, strong external funding, and a commitment to addressing complex health challenges, UTMB drives innovation that improves health outcomes and informs practice and policy.
The institution’s research culture is supported by robust infrastructure, collaborative institutes and centers, and a deeply embedded emphasis on scientific rigor, innovation, and impact. Faculty investigators contribute to breakthroughs that span the continuum from bench to bedside to community, fostering an environment distinguished by discovery and scholarship. Within this research-intensive environment, students and trainees engage in meaningful scholarly activity alongside faculty mentors, gaining exposure to high-quality research that complements their academic and professional development.
Research Highlights
Moody Brain Health Institute
A transformative $25 million gift from the Moody Foundation and the Moody Medical Research Institute advances the work of the UTMB Brain Health Institute, renamed to honor this generous contribution.
Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute
A $30 million grant from the Sealy & Smith Foundation establishes the Sealy Heart and Vascular Institute on the UTMB Galveston Campus, expanding access to advanced cardiac services, groundbreaking research, and educational opportunities.
Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This new center builds upon the infrastructure and partnerships that support responsible AI development and deployment within the university’s clinical, operational, and research environments.
Renewed Funding Supports Long-Term Impact
Clinical and Translational Science Award
The seven-year, $29 million renewal by the NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences establishes a UTMB-led alliance of four institutions to transform scientific discoveries into real world health solutions.
Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health
Entering its 20th year of NIH funding, the program upholds a strong record of launching junior faculty into independent research careers and strengthening the institution’s impact on women’s health research across the lifespan.
Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
A five year National Institute on Aging renewal continues more than 20 years of uninterrupted funding – supporting innovative aging research, technology-enabled interventions, and leadership development in geriatrics and gerontology.
Preparing Future Scientific Leaders
NIH-funded T32 training grants underscore the institution’s commitment to cultivating future research leaders. By providing protected time, mentorship, and structured training, T32 programs prepare predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars to pursue innovative, independent research careers.
T32 Awards Active in FY25:
• Biodefense Training Program (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) PI: Ashok Chopra, PhD
• Emerging and Tropical Infectious Diseases (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) PI: Lynn Soong, MD, PhD
• Health of Older Minorities (National Institute on Aging)
PI: Brian Downer, PhD
• Physician-Scientist Training in Emerging Infectious Diseases (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
PI: Peter Melby, MD
• Postdoctoral Training in Trauma and Burns (National Institute of General Medical Science) PI: Steven E. Wolf, MD
• Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Training in Alzheimer’s Pathophysiology (National Institute on Aging) PI: Rakez Kayed, PhD
• Translational Explorations in Substance Use Disorders (National Institute on Drug Abuse) PI: Kathryn Cunningham, PhD
Center for Health Outcomes Research (HCOR)
Established as a central hub to develop, support, and accelerate health and clinical outcomes research across all the university, HCOR harnesses the institution’s exceptional data infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise.
Center for Correctional Health (CCH)
Leveraging a reputation for international leadership in correctional healthcare, the CCH fosters research, education, and improvement of clinical care delivery in correctional health.
New Leadership Driving Breakthroughs in DNA Science
A newly hired chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Erez Lieberman Aiden, PhD, has invented a tool that photographs how DNA folds inside a living cell, then discovered the molecular machine responsible — a tiny motor that reels DNA into loops at thousands of locations across the genome. His lab showed these loops can be edited one DNA letter at a time, opening a path to correcting the misfolded genome architecture that contributes to some cancers. Recently, his team also recovered fossil chromosomes from a 52,000 year old woolly mammoth, aiding ongoing efforts at mammoth de extinction.
Student Experiences and Engagement
Meaningful, hands-on opportunities extend learning beyond the classroom and into communities locally, nationally, and globally. Across all schools, students actively engage in service-learning, research, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration that deepen their academic preparation while advancing the institution’s mission of service.
From participating in health policy and legislative advocacy at the Texas State Capitol, to working alongside international partners in global service-learning initiatives, to building sustained relationships with community organizations throughout the Galveston region, UTMB students develop the skills, perspectives, and civic responsibility essential for leadership in health, science, and public service.
UTMB Community Partnerships
Our students are active in community collaboration efforts. At St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic, students across multiple disciplines staff clinics during evenings and weekends. They conduct patient intake, history taking, examinations, documentation, and care coordination under licensed faculty supervision.
Additional community collaborations provide a variety of experiences for UTMB students, including the Galveston Independent School District, CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread, Grace Clinic at Galveston Central Church, SMART Family Literacy, and Urban Strategies, Inc.
These partnerships provide:
• Hands-on experiences
• Exposure to real-world health disparities
• Interprofessional skills and communication
• Leadership and professional identity development
Global Partnerships
UTMB Global Student Experiences give students the opportunity to learn abroad through programs built on formal education agreements with trusted international affiliates. These experiences enrich learning, support community priorities, and reflect an enduring commitment to making a global impact.
Students gain valuable skills while contributing to public health initiatives, education, or community based projects at more than 20 partner sites across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. These include academic institutions, hospitals, ministries, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Students benefit from:
• Integration of theory and practice
• Cultural humility and global perspective
• Professional and career development
• Alignment with the institution’s global mission
“St. Vincent’s and Grace Clinic helped to expose us to people of various backgrounds, ages, and abilities and helped to incorporate our skills in navigating care of these different populations.”
Doctor of Physical Therapy student, School of Health Professions
UTMB Student Day at the Capitol
More than 70 UTMB students from all five schools traveled to Austin for UTMB Student Day at the Texas Capitol in April 2025, gaining firsthand experience in health policy and civic advocacy while engaging directly with state legislators during the 89th legislative session.
Participants learned about the university’s legislative priorities, observed House and Senate proceedings, and met with elected officials to share their experiences and highlight the university’s impact across Texas, reinforcing the value of student voices in shaping the state’s healthcare future.
2025 Provost’s Report
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health)
Office of the Provost
301 University Boulevard
6.206 Administration Building Galveston, Texas 77555-0133
Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD
UTMB President
CEO, UTMB Health System
Professor, John Sealy School of Medicine
John D. Stobo, MD Distinguished Chair
Susan Chubinskaya, PhD, MS
Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Academic
Officer of The University of Texas Medical Branch
Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, John Sealy School of Medicine
Thomas N. and Gleaves T. James Distinguished Chair
Michelle Moreno
Associate Vice President
Provost Administration
Academic Enterprise
Cortney Martin Manager, Communications and Community Initiatives
Office of the Provost
Ashley Torres
Senior Communications Specialist
Office of the Provost
Design: Denning & Denning Design
Photography: UTMB Staff
Printing: UTMB Print Services
Office of the Provost
301 University Boulevard
6.206 Administration Building Galveston, TX 77555-0133
Our Mission: To improve health by offering innovative education and training, pursuing cutting-edge research, and providing the highest quality patient care.
