Ahead of the Curve
How the UT System is Keeping Texas Competitive Today and Tomorrow
In 2006, the UT System Board of Regents declared its commitment to building a competitive science and engineering infrastructure and to retaining and recruiting world-class faculty. These investments will not only help create universities where renowned scientists solve the problems of today, but where the talented scientists, engineers, and health care providers of tomorrow are educated.
Those Who Can, Teach
Prestigious Awards Recognize Outstanding UT System Faculty
Recently, faculty at academic institutions across the UT System were recognized for teaching excellence with a Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. With fields of study that span the humanities and sciences, the 73 awardees are diverse, though all share a common goal: to positively impact the lives of undergraduate students through exemplary teaching and innovative instruction.
Nurses in Demand
UT System Institutions Take Action to Ease Texas’ Critical Shortage of Nurses
They say nurses are the heartbeat of health care: dedicated, compassionate and vital to America’s health. But in recent years, a number of factors have contributed to a shortage of nurses across our state and nation that many warn threatens this heartbeat and access to quality health care for each of us.
Learn why the Texas Legislature’s recent investment is so important to our future health.
Each new academic school year, The University of Texas System strives to present Texas students with opportunities as energizing as the talents they bring to the 15 UT academic and health institutions. I am confident these opportunities will be greatly enhanced in coming years as we continue to advance UT institutions to greater levels of excellence and national prominence. As you will see in my vision statement to the UT System Board of Regents, the UT System is committed to ensuring our next generation has exceptional learning opportunities, access to state-of-the-art facilities and, most importantly, preeminent faculty to challenge their minds and prepare them for success in the 21st century.
This summer, the Texas Legislature likewise looked to our state’s future by passing a bill that facilitates the creation of more national research universities in Texas. Called Tier One universities, these major research centers attract faculty who are leaders in their fields and ensure our best and brightest students can find world-class learning opportunities here at home. In November, voters will have the opportunity to show their support for these future research centers through Proposition 4. By transferring the balance of an existing-but-dormant higher education fund to a newly established National Research University Fund, Prop 4 will provide critical funding for emerging research universities in Texas that can translate into long-term economic growth for our state. As we strive to advance additional UT institutions to Tier One status, we must also bear in mind that the needs of our flagship Tier One institution, The University of Texas at Austin, must be met to advance excellence on that campus today and tomorrow.
In this issue of State of the System, you’ll learn about the UT System Competitiveness Initiative, a comprehensive and strategic plan that is not only expanding the research capacity of UT institutions, but attracting nationally and internationally prominent faculty members to UT institutions. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet the inaugural recipients of the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards — 73 men and women who have shown exemplary dedication and innovation in undergraduate instruction at the nine UT academic institutions. And, you’ll discover what UT System institutions have been doing to address the shortage of registered nurses in Texas, and how the recent boost in state funding will help us ramp up our efforts to ensure our communities have increased access to quality care.
I look forward to keeping you apprised of our efforts on behalf of our students and our state and, as always, am very grateful for your interest and support.
With great respect,
Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D.
Chancellor
We hope you find this issue informative and encourage you to send questions and/or comments to editor@utsystem.edu.
Around the System
UT M. D. Anderson and UT Southwestern Recognized as Nation’s Top Hospitals
For the sixth time in eight years, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has been recognized as No. 1 in the nation for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s annual "America’s Best Hospitals" survey. UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas was ranked nationally in four areas, and two Houston medical centers affiliated with UT System institutions were recognized for their specialty care: the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Learn more about the rankings.
Jim Lehrer on Transfer 101: From Community College to University
"Life is full of steps," says Jim Lehrer. "You have to think of community college as step one. If you have a dream you’re determined to fulfill, it’s a great place to test yourself and spread your wings." As a world-famous anchor, author and moderator of presidential elections, Jim Lehrer knows about reaching new heights. He also knows what it takes to make the jump from a community college to a four-year university. Visit transfer101.org to read Lehrer's story.
Center for Development Leadership
Chancellor Cigarroa and the Board of Regents understand the important role philanthropy will play as the UT System continues to advance excellence at UT institutions. To strengthen philanthropic support across the UT System and ensure those involved in fund raising, advancement programs and communications have opportunities to continually develop their skills, the UT System established the Center for Development Leadership in 2008. With a wealth of resources that include tailored executive and professional training opportunities, as well as consulting and assessment services, the Center provides UT System professionals, volunteers and philanthropists with the tools they need to continually advance their success. Learn about upcoming Center for Development Leadership events.
UTSA wins $5 million for new Simulation, Visualization and Real-Time Prediction Center (SiViRT)
The University of Texas at San Antonio has won a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the Simulation, Visualization and Real-time Prediction (SiViRT) Center for interdisciplinary, computer-based research, education and training. The SiViRT Center will enhance the research capabilities of UTSA faculty by encouraging collaboration between colleges, says Robert Gracy, UTSA vice president for research. It will also provide support to talented students who will become the next generation of researchers and university educators. Read the latest news release.
Texas Instruments Award Advances Biomedical Engineering Research at UT Arlington
International technology innovator Texas Instruments Inc. has awarded The University of Texas at Arlington $225,000 in new funds to enhance biomedical research in the College of Engineering in the area of medical diagnostics. "Texas Instruments is very supportive of education in general, particularly in science and engineering because it is critical to our workforce development," said Allen Bowling, TI Fellow and Manager of Research & Consortia. "One of TI’s missions is to make sure that we have Tier One universities in the Metroplex. Good faculty draws more good faculty and graduate students, and the more quality graduates we have the more businesses want to come here." Learn more about TI’s investment.
New Bioscience Research Building Opens at UT El Paso
With five-stories, 140,000 square feet and $42 million in labs and other facilities, the new Bioscience Research Building at UT El Paso is impressive to say the least. To better promote research discoveries in the field of bioscience, UTEP has made significant investments in numerous centers and programs with border health and biotechnology among the areas that represent UTEP’s greatest opportunities to significantly increase funded research. By conducting research that focuses on the region’s health problems, the university is also addressing issues that have particular significance across the country. Learn why the region and university serve as models for the nation’s future.