A Milestone Gift of $30 Million for Health Advancement at UT San Antonio

Transformational Gift to UT San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) recently announced a remarkable $30 million donation from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation. This substantial contribution aims to bolster the efforts of the School of Public Health, which focuses on enhancing the health and welfare of communities throughout South Texas.

This financial investment is poised to significantly further the university's mission, reflecting a commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups in rural areas with limited access to quality healthcare. The UT System Board of Regents has approved the naming of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health in honor of Kate Marmion, whose family has deep connections to Texas public service.

Established in 2022, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health is a joint initiative between the late William L. Henrich, MD, a former president of UT Health San Antonio, and Dr. Taylor Eighmy, current president of UT San Antonio. The school aims to act as the comprehensive academic center for public health in the region, training future professionals and conducting vital research to address pressing health issues across South Texas.

The infusion of $30 million is expected to substantially improve health conditions for individuals and families across the area, especially in rural locations suffering from ongoing health challenges. This initiative also aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the health of rural Texans.

The support from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation will establish extensive endowments aimed at enhancing community outreach efforts through new scholarships and fellowships. This will ensure the development of a dedicated public health workforce capable of serving the needs of Texas for years to come.

A significant portion of the donation will back targeted health interventions designed to address specific community needs, eliminate obstacles to healthcare access, and drive measurable improvements in rural health outcomes.

Dr. Taylor Eighmy expressed gratitude for the transformative gift, stating, "This profound investment from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation reflects a longstanding commitment to education, healthcare innovation, and the wellbeing of Texans. Over generations, the Foundation has symbolized vision, tenacity, and service in Texas."

Health issues in South Texas present a substantial challenge, with higher-than-average rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Barriers such as limited healthcare access contribute to the health struggles faced by these communities. Systems management and a multifaceted approach remain critical to tackling these pressing public health challenges.

Dolph Briscoe IV, President of the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation, remarked, "We are honored to support the incredible faculty, staff, and students at UT San Antonio in this vital endeavor. There is a great need for healthcare in South Texas, and we believe this investment will make a significant difference for the region."

With this gift, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health is poised to grow by expanding its faculty, launching new programs, and forming deeper connections across San Antonio, Bexar County, and the greater South Texas area. Additionally, this transformational contribution will enable the school to maintain state health improvement initiatives and develop workforce pipelines that prepare health professionals to work in underserved regions.

Vasan Ramachandran, the inaugural dean of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health, leads innovative research initiatives aimed at improving public health in rural areas. He expressed gratitude for the Foundation's donation, saying it will significantly enhance efforts to overcome persistent health disparities faced by South Texas residents.

The school will continue to address rural and community health challenges while improving access to healthcare through its unique public health education, integrating advanced health research and academic programs. The commencement of its Master’s Program in Public Health (MPH) began in 2024, with plans to introduce a doctoral program soon.

This generous contribution from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation will allow UT San Antonio to address some of the most significant public health issues facing South Texas, ensuring better healthcare access and outcomes for future generations.