November 7, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I am pleased to announce that I am appointing a ten-member search committee chaired by Provost Diane Chase to begin our national search for the next VP of Health Affairs and Dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. The Search Committee will be assisted by Hodges Partners with the hope of filling the position by late Spring 2024.  I thank the committee members for undertaking this very important task. The full list of committee members is below.

Chair:

• Diane Chase, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Members:

• Paige Fertitta, Philanthropist
• Winston Liaw M.D., M.P.H., Chair and Clinical Professor, Department of Health Systems and Population Health Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
• Gino Lim, Chair and Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering
• Norma Olvera, Professor, Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, College of Education
• Brian C. Reed, M.D., Chair and Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
• Amy Sater, Chair and Professor, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Jason Smith, Vice President for Office of Government and Community Relations
• Kathryn Tart, Founding Dean and Professor, Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing
• TBD – Member Representing a Clinical Partner

I am charging the Search Committee to (a) develop a strong and diverse pool of candidates, (b) screen eligible applicants, (c) invite finalists for campus interviews and (d) provide its assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each interviewee. I have asked the committee to seek your input in completing its task and I ask you to please help them create a strong and diverse pool of candidates by nominating qualified individuals. The chairs of the committee are committed to keeping you informed with regular updates on the process and progress of the search.

I would like to remind you that this position is critically important in ensuring the continued transformation of the University of Houston and the health of our community and state. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic builder and aspirational leader to position the college as a leader in the broader field of community medicine. This leader will be recognized for excellent leadership and development of a robust clinical enterprise, in addition to noteworthy research and education programs, while building mutually rewarding partnerships with health systems, academic institutions, community physicians, and the community at large. Please help me and the Search Committee in finding such a leader by nominating strong candidates and meeting with finalists.

Thank you for your interest and engagement.

Warm regards,

Renu Khator
President, University of Houston