Contact: Monty Jones, (512) 499-4363

Date: August 27, 2001

UT System News Release

Guckian Named Acting Executive Vice Chancellor

AUSTIN - Dr. James C. Guckian has been named acting executive vice chancellor for health affairs for The University of Texas System effective September 1, Chancellor
R.D. Burck announced today. Dr. Guckian will succeed Dr. Charles Mullins, who served as executive vice chancellor since September 1981.

As acting executive vice chancellor, Dr. Guckian will report to the chancellor and will be directly responsible for the six health institutions in the U.T. System located in Houston, San Antonio, Tyler, Galveston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Four of the institutions are health science centers offering a wide range of degree programs and two are specialty tertiary hospitals with outpatient clinical services. All six are engaged in medical research, education, and patient care.

"I am delighted that Jim Guckian has agreed to step in to this position as acting executive vice chancellor," Chancellor Burck said. "With his long background and knowledge of the health institutions and his experience as both an executive officer, administrator, and faculty member within the U.T. System, he's the right individual for this vital leadership position."

Dr. Guckian has served as vice chancellor for health affairs and principal advisor to Dr. Mullins since 1997. He joined the U.T. System in 1988 as executive associate for health policy and planning. From 1967 to 1988, Dr. Guckian held numerous faculty and administrative positions at the U.T. Medical Branch in Galveston.

"I am honored that Chancellor Burck and the Board of Regents have asked me to do this on an interim basis," Dr. Guckian commented. "The shoes of Dr. Mullins, who pioneered this position in the U.T. System, will be difficult to fill, but I will carry on in the path he has blazed for health care in this state. The health institutions in the U.T. System will continue to thrive, grow, and serve the health care needs of the people of Texas just as they have under Dr. Mullins for the past two decades."

As vice chancellor for health affairs, Dr. Guckian managed the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service that establishes standards for eligibility and enrollment in all state schools. In addition, he serves as chair of U.T. System Managed Care Committee, is chairman of the Board of Directors for the Texas Universities Health Plan that includes all universities in the U.T. and Texas Tech Systems, and is chair of the System's special task force on health care safety.

A native of Lockhart, Texas, he received his bachelor of arts degree from U.T. Austin and his M.D. from U.T. Medical Branch in Galveston.

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