News Summary
The University of Texas at San Antonio announced a $30 million gift from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation. This funding is aimed at enhancing the Kate Marmion School of Public Health, which addresses critical health issues in South Texas. Established in 2022, the school aims to improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved areas, by developing a robust public health workforce through new fellowships, scholarships, and research initiatives.
Houston, TX — The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) has announced a significant milestone for public health education in Texas, receiving a $30 million gift from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation. This transformational investment is dedicated to supporting the Kate Marmion School of Public Health, an institution committed to addressing critical health challenges across South Texas and beyond.
The establishment of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health in 2022 marked a pivotal moment, as San Antonio had been the largest U.S. city without a dedicated public health school. This generous gift reinforces UT San Antonio’s dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, with a clear focus on community and economic impact. It will enable the school to expand its reach, enhance research capabilities, and cultivate the next generation of public health leaders equipped to serve the unique needs of Texas communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
A Transformational Investment in Public Health
The $30 million gift from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation represents a profound commitment to education, healthcare innovation, and the well-being of Texans. In recognition of this generosity, the UT System Board of Regents approved the naming of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health. This school, a collaborative effort between UT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio, was established with a vision to serve as the region’s comprehensive academic home for public health.
The Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation: A Legacy of Service
The Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation was established in 2008 to honor the memory of Janey Katherine “Kate” Marmion. The foundation’s mission is to support and promote people, places, and programs in Uvalde and South Texas, with a specific focus on children’s interests, education, agriculture, and southwestern American history, culture, art, and literature. Based in San Antonio, TX, the foundation is a private entity that funds community nonprofit organizations to support their charitable purposes for the public. Its ongoing commitment to improving the health of rural Texans aligns directly with the mission of the School of Public Health.
Enhancing the Kate Marmion School of Public Health’s Mission
The Kate Marmion School of Public Health provides academic instruction relevant to public health and conducts research activities directed toward community health problems. Its curriculum incorporates locally relevant public health data, emphasizes experiential and applied learning, and provides students with immersive experiences. The school began accepting students into its Master’s Program in Public Health (MPH) in 2024 and plans to offer a doctoral program in the near future. Current MPH offerings include concentrations and an MD and MPH Dual Degree program. The investment will fund critical areas such as community outreach work, new fellowships, and scholarships, designed to cultivate a passionate public health workforce dedicated to serving the local and regional community.
This initiative is particularly vital for South Texas, where persistent disparities in key health outcomes necessitate a robust public health approach. The school aims to improve human and planetary health locally and globally through excellence in research, instruction, practice, and compassion. Graduates are prepared for roles in public and private sectors, including health department administration, public health nursing, disaster preparedness, program planning, and evaluation.
Leadership and Vision for a Healthier Texas
The Kate Marmion School of Public Health was established under the joint vision of the late William L. Henrich, former president of UT Health San Antonio, and UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy, PhD. President Eighmy, who also serves as the inaugural president of the institution created through the merger of UT San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio (effective September 1, 2025), has been instrumental in advancing UT San Antonio’s research status and its role in regional economic development.
His leadership emphasizes strategic government-university-industry collaborations and public-private partnerships. The establishment and continued growth of the School of Public Health underscore the university’s commitment to creating a healthier future for everyone in Texas, aligning with the broader goal of advancing Texas higher education and its impact on the state’s economic ecosystem.
Addressing Public Health Challenges in Texas
Public health education is crucial for addressing pressing health issues in Texas, such as chronic diseases, environmental health concerns, and infectious disease outbreaks. Education plays a key role in raising community awareness about health problems and promoting healthier lifestyles, which can significantly impact mortality rates and overall well-being. Public health professionals contribute to creating healthier communities by focusing on social determinants of health, promoting preventive care, and advocating for policy changes.
The School of Public Health’s focus on rural and underserved populations in South Texas is especially critical, as access to quality healthcare remains limited in many of these areas. By training students in areas like biostatistics, environmental science, epidemiology, and health policy, the school prepares them to tackle these complex challenges head-on.
Looking Forward: Impact on Students and Community
This transformational gift will have far-reaching effects, supporting endowments for community outreach, and providing new fellowships and scholarships. These resources will attract talented students and faculty, fostering an environment of innovation and dedication to public service. The emphasis on experiential learning ensures that graduates are not only academically proficient but also prepared with practical, real-world skills to make an immediate impact.
The expansion of public health programs at UT San Antonio contributes directly to the Houston, TX college news landscape by highlighting advancements in Texas’s broader higher education system. It reinforces the idea that robust educational institutions are vital for fostering leadership and creating positive community impact, particularly in critical sectors like public health.
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s commitment to public health, bolstered by the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation’s gift, promises to build a stronger, healthier future for individuals and communities across Texas. It is an invitation for students, researchers, and the community to engage with a school dedicated to making a tangible difference in public well-being.
Keywords: Texas higher education, UT research, Houston, TX college news, University of Texas TX, public health initiatives
Summary of the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation’s Gift
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Donor | Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation |
| Amount | $30 Million |
| Recipient | University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) |
| Purpose | Support the Kate Marmion School of Public Health, improve health outcomes in South Texas |
| Key Initiatives Funded | Community outreach, new fellowships, scholarships, targeted health interventions, research |
| School Naming | Kate Marmion School of Public Health (approved by UT System Board of Regents) |
| Geographic Focus | South Texas, especially rural communities |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount of the gift received by UT San Antonio?
The University of Texas at San Antonio received a $30 million gift.
Who provided the $30 million gift to UT San Antonio?
The $30 million gift was provided by the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation.
What is the purpose of this transformational gift?
The transformational gift is intended to support the mission of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health and improve the health and well-being of communities across South Texas.
Which school at UT San Antonio is being named in honor of the gift?
The UT System Board of Regents approved the naming of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health in honor of the Foundation’s generous contribution.
When was the Kate Marmion School of Public Health established?
The Kate Marmion School of Public Health was established in 2022.
What are the key areas this gift will fund?
The gift will fund community outreach work of the school, along with new fellowships and scholarships to advance the development of a passionate public health workforce, and a significant portion will be directed toward targeted health interventions and research.
What geographical area is the Kate Marmion School of Public Health primarily focused on serving?
The Kate Marmion School of Public Health primarily serves South Texas, with a particular focus on addressing rural and community health issues and improving access to care in areas where quality healthcare remains limited.
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