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t m c » p u l s e | d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 23 Robert Ivany, Ph.D. P r esi den t University of St. Thomas Renu Khator P r esi den t University of Houston Ch a ncel lor UH System The University of St. Thomas had a milestone year with the addition of signature graduate and undergraduate degree programs to expand opportunities for Houston's workforce. A new master's degree in clinical translation management began in January through a partnership with the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Additionally, St. Thomas joined the Texas Medical Center as a member and is focusing on expanded health care degrees and joint degrees to educate future leaders of faith and character. In the summer, the university signed an agreement with The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation to establish The McNair Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. This center will promote the study of private enterprise to foster economic growth and show the benefits to our society from generations of entrepreneurs. The School of Education has expanded its scope to become The School of Education and Human Services by adding an undergraduate degree in criminology, law and society as well as an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling. The University now offers 36 undergraduate majors and 18 graduate degrees in areas of business, health care, education, liberal arts and public policy. During 2015, the University of Houston continued to meet its ambitious responsibilities as the city's Tier One public research university, with record enrollment, unparalleled public and private financial support and new levels of research awards. A beneficial Texas legislative session approved $362 million for seven requested projects for the UH System, including our Health and Biomedical Sciences Center 2 facility, while a planning dean was appointed to explore establishing a community-based UH Medical School. We were also selected for three new National Research Centers—in subsea systems, superconductors and border issues— bringing our total to five. Thanks in large part to the UHin4 program with fixed tuition and enhanced academic advising, graduation rates have improved 10 points in six years and we're projecting another 10-point rise within the next five. Capping our achievements, the football team is once again nationally ranked—Go, Coogs!— and UH has been awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Paul Klotman, M.D. P r esi den t, Ch i ef Ex ecu t i v e Of f icer a n d Ex ecu t i v e De a n Baylor College of Medicine In September, I celebrated five years at Baylor College of Medicine. During that time, I have witnessed a transformed institution. We have gone from strong, solid programs to bold new initiatives. Once again, we lead the nation in NIH-sponsored genetics research. Our new joint venture, the Baylor Miraca Genetics Lab, is delivering on the promise of personalized medicine and to a much broader national and international patient base. Our programs in the Microbiome, Metabolomics, and Proteomics are without peer. Our Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center received Comprehensive designation from the NCI, only the second one in Houston. Our joint venture with CHI at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center is making major strides, and our partnerships with our affiliated hospitals, Texas Children's, the DeBakey VA, Ben Taub, Children's Hospital of San Antonio, the Menninger Clinic and TIRR have never been better. Baylor is in great shape for the future!