The Academy of Research Mentors (ARM) started with a Task Force, which reviewed potential Founding Members, who were recommended by Department Chairs, and these individuals were later approved by both the UTMB Research Executive Committee, and the Council of Deans. The ARM became an official UTMB entity in May 2012, and it is supported by the Provost and the Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at UTMB.

We initiated our work with a mentoring survey, which was distributed to UTMB faculty, and we have been impressed that more than 300 faculty answered, many of whom indicated that they are interested in providing mentorship, as well as developing their mentorship skills.

The ARM has designed a curriculum to help mentors enhance their skills, including:

1. Collating relevant literature and approaches toward mentoring;
2. Establishing an ongoing seminar series; and
3. Inviting outside experts on mentoring, to lecture and provide additional guidance to our mentors and mentees.