The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a measure Tuesday naming Dr. Ben Raimer the president of the University of Texas Medical Branch, effective immediately.
Raimer was appointed interim president of UTMB in August 2019 with the expectation that he would be in the position for a short period while a national search for a new president was conducted. But then the coronavirus pandemic hit.
As interim president, Raimer has steered the 130-year-old medical university through the unprecedented challenges posed by a pandemic that has affected all aspects of the institution. He will continue at the helm now as the full president.
"Dr. Raimer's new title is a reflection of the exceptional leadership and stability he's provided to UTMB over the past two years," Chancellor James B. Milliken said. "He stepped into this role after many decades as a physician-leader at UTMB and in the Galveston community, and we are grateful for his continued service."
Raimer has held numerous academic and administrative positions at UTMB over the past four decades. He is a tenured professor in the departments of Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine and Community Health. Before being named interim president, he served as the senior vice president for the Office of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs.
Raimer began his time at UTMB as a student. After receiving his undergraduate degree from East Texas Baptist University, Raimer earned a master’s degree in human genetics from the UTMB Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a medical degree from the UTMB School of Medicine.
Raimer is only the sixth president of UTMB since the position was created in 1967. While Raimer continues to steer UTMB through the pandemic, a national search for the next president, paused because of the pandemic, will resume at some point in the future.
“It is an honor and a privilege to lead this amazing institution,” Raimer said. “It is a great responsibility and one I do not take lightly. I am proud of the difference that UTMB makes in our community and our state. I hope to continue to guide this university and its tremendous people through these challenging times and ensure that it continues to be a leader in health sciences education, research and patient care.”