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

Dear colleagues,

I continue to be impressed by the collective hard work, creativity, and commitment of all those who bring our academic programs to life. Our mission-driven focus on excellence in education, research, and service continues to shape health professionals who make a meaningful difference every day.

The U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings once again reflect the excellence of our programs, the impact of our scholarship, and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. This year’s results are especially meaningful because multiple UTMB programs not only earned top 100 recognition but also improved their standing since last year.

  • The School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) climbed 27 spots to enter the top 100, now ranked #89 among accredited schools and programs of Public Health.
  • In the School of Nursing (SON), the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rose 12 positions, now ranked #64, and the Nurse Anesthesia program ranked #60 – reflecting the growing strength of UTMB’s practice‑focused education and leadership in preparing advanced nursing professionals.
  • In the School of Health Professions (SHP), Physical Therapy advanced to #57, improving 22 spots from its 2025 position. Occupational Therapy also moved up one position to #41. Both achievements underscore these programs’ academic quality and student outcomes.

A UTMB News story features more information on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. These achievements are the outcome of exceptional teaching, impactful research, curriculum innovation, and a shared commitment to student success.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our faculty and staff whose work makes this progress possible. I am also very proud of our students and alumni who carry UTMB’s excellence into communities across the nation.

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