January 2026 Message from the Senior Vice President, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer, UTMB

Dear Colleagues,

As we welcome the start of a new year, I hope you feel refreshed and energized after the holiday season. Whether you traveled, spent time with loved ones, or enjoyed quiet moments of rest, taking time to recharge is essential; I trust it has prepared us all for the exciting year ahead.

The beginning of a new year is more than a calendar change; it is an opportunity to set goals, embrace growth, and pursue new possibilities. As you reflect on your aspirations for 2026, I encourage you to take full advantage of the many programs and resources available at UTMB. These offerings are designed to help you strengthen your skills, expand your network, and advance your career.

If you have not attended one of our monthly faculty lunches, plan to join us at least once this year.  It is a great way to connect with one another, learn about each other, build collaborations and friendship.  For those looking to enhance their leadership abilities, please keep an eye out for the Faculty Leadership Collaborative offerings in 2026 – starting with Early-Career Bootcamp in February. And remember, the Office of Faculty Affairs is here year-round with a wide variety of events and initiatives to keep you engaged and supported.

I am honored to share this journey with you, and I can’t wait to see all that we will accomplish together. Wishing you a year filled with health, happiness, excitement, success, growth, and meaningful achievements. Here’s to a fantastic 2026!

Sincerely yours,

Susan Chubinskaya, PhD, MS
Senior Vice President, Provost, and
Chief Academic Officer of the University of Texas Medical Branch
Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, John Sealy School of Medicine
Thomas N. and Gleaves T. James Distinguished Chair