Dear colleagues,
As we all work in our respective roles to advance excellence at UTMB, I want to highlight an important milestone that is nearing the horizon: our 10-year reaccreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Accreditation is a required process for academic institutions, examining every aspect of our performance, from academic quality and student success to governance, resources, and continuous improvement. It challenges us to evaluate our practices, strengthen alignment with our mission, and demonstrate – through evidence – our commitment to excellence, effectiveness, integrity, and accountability.
I want to especially recognize the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE), under the leadership of Dr. Chris McKee, which is coordinating this university-wide effort. Working in close partnership with faculty, staff, and administrators across all schools, the OIE is guiding the collection, documentation, and analysis that underpin the accreditation process. Their work not only ensures our readiness for reaccreditation, but it also strengthens our culture of assessment and continuous improvement long after the review is complete.
In the months ahead, you will hear more about opportunities to participate and contribute, including regular updates from OIE in this newsletter. Thank you for all you do each day to uphold the high standards that define our institution.
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