Next chapter begins as UTHealth Houston closes out Fiscal Year 2026
Looking back on Fiscal Year 2026, we see a year of momentum for UTHealth Houston—marked by new leadership, meaningful partnerships, and visionary philanthropy. In September 2025, we welcomed Melina R. Kibbe, MD, as president of UTHealth Houston and the Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the university. Under her leadership, UTHealth Houston continues to build on its longstanding commitment to strengthen health across Texas and beyond.
More than 2,900 donors contributed approximately $68.5 million during the year, helping educate tomorrow’s health professionals, pursue research innovations, and save and improve lives in our communities.
Bringing our mission to life
Supporters of UTHealth Houston gathered in October 2025 for Mission in Action, an immersive evening highlighting the urgent need to expand behavioral healthcare. Through powerful stories from patients and university leaders, guests saw firsthand how philanthropy is helping address this national health crisis. The event honored the John S. Dunn Foundation for its decades-long commitment to UTHealth Houston, particularly its leadership in behavioral health. Chaired by longtime supporters Yvonne and Walter Johnson, Mission in Action had a total impact of $1.83 million to support behavioral health priorities across the university.
Showcasing innovation across the UT System
UTHealth Houston was honored to host The University of Texas System Chancellor's Council Executive Committee Winter Meeting in January 2026, welcoming volunteer leaders and supporters from across the UT System for one of the university's most significant engagement opportunities in recent years. The meeting provided an opportunity for President Kibbe to share her vision for the university's future, while introducing guests to faculty experts driving advances in neuroscience, behavioral health, aging, and addiction recovery. By bringing the Executive Committee to campus, UTHealth Houston strengthened relationships with influential philanthropic leaders and showcased the bold ideas shaping the university's next chapter.
Creating hope through Honor's HEROES
When treating substance use disorders, timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death. This year, Sherry and the late Barry Wallace made a significant gift to expand the Houston Emergency Opioid Engagement System (HEROES) program in memory of their daughter, Honor Nicole Wallace. In recognition of their generosity, the program was renamed Honor Nicole Wallace HEROES. Their support will expand peer recovery services, strengthen community partnerships, and connect more individuals to treatment and recovery following an overdose, creating a lasting legacy of hope for countless families across Texas.
Celebrating the impact of nursing
Supporters of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston gathered for the annual PARTNERS Spring Luncheon to celebrate the impact of nurses while raising more than $250,000 for scholarships and faculty research. Keynote speaker Ned Brower, MSN, RN, an emergency department nurse and actor on HBO’s award-winning The Pitt, shared his unique path into nursing and reflected on the compassion, resilience, and purpose that define the profession.
The luncheon honored longtime PARTNERS board member Joyce Standish, RN ’75, and her husband, Tom, who serves on the UTHealth Houston Development Board. Carla Diaz-Lewis and Kenneth Lewis, dedicated supporters of the school, chaired the luncheon. Kenneth also serves on the Development Board. 
Sparking progress in dementia research
As Texas increased its investment in dementia research through the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), UTHealth Houston moved quickly to position its researchers for new funding opportunities. Through donor-supported seed funding from the President’s Excellence Fund, 21 faculty pilot projects were selected to generate the preliminary data required for major external grant applications, including DPRIT and other state and federal sources. The investment is already paying dividends: At least 11 projects have produced approximately 16 grant submissions and two funded awards, helping researchers secure the support needed to advance promising discoveries.
Building community for 50 years
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston marked the 50th anniversary of the Henry Strobel Retreat, a beloved tradition that welcomes incoming students and fosters lasting connections from the start of medical school. To honor this milestone, the university launched a fundraising campaign for the Strobel Retreat Support Fund, which helps keep the retreat affordable for incoming students. Generous donors contributed more than $44,000 to support this effort.
Looking ahead
Fiscal Year 2026 demonstrated the many ways philanthropy, partnership, and leadership are shaping the future of UTHealth Houston. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building meaningful relationships, advancing innovative ideas, and creating new opportunities to improve health across Texas and beyond.
“Every achievement highlighted this year reflects the confidence our donors, volunteers, alumni, and community partners place in UTHealth Houston and our mission,” said Kevin J. Foyle, MBA, CFRE, Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement. “Their support allows us to invest in bold ideas, exceptional people, and innovative programs that improve lives. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to all we will accomplish together in the years ahead.”