UT Health Science Center has earned the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This honor underscores the pivotal role of research to the university’s mission and highlights a commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. It also represents a significant strength that UTHSC brings to the innovation economy of the state through its campuses in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. “UT Health Science Center’s world-class degree programs and research are focused on the health sciences, which provide life-changing advances for countless Tennesseans but previously were not accounted for in the Carnegie criteria,” says Jessica Snowden, vice chancellor for research. “Our recognition as a Carnegie R1 institution celebrates the long-standing excellence and achievement of our scientists and educators and our dedicated staff, who support this important work.” Carnegie R1 status signifies the highest levels of research activity, reflecting a college or university’s significant investment in groundbreaking studies and success in producing doctoral graduates.
Giving Day 2025 Scores Big Success
UT Health Science Center’s Giving Day surpassed fundraising and participation goals. The one-day event brought in a record-breaking $956,246 from 1,361 donors—well beyond the goal of 1,250 donors and nearly $300,000 more than last year’s total. “What an amazing outpouring of generosity, and what a testimonial to the health sciences vision: Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities,” says Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brigitte Grant. Giving Day 2025 had a special focus on cancer research, with all gifts—regardless of the fund they supported—matched for the newly established Cancer Discovery Fund. The cause resulted in $332,570 in contributions. The fund will support the work of UTHSC’s cancer researchers as they seek better ways to diagnose and treat cancer for patients.
College of Medicine Welcomes New Dean
After a nationwide search, Michael Hocker—an accomplished academic physician, innovative educator and mentor, and inspirational servant leader—has been named the new executive dean of the College of Medicine. Hocker previously served as the dean and chief academic officer for the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine and as the senior vice president for the UT Health RGV clinical practice. “As the next dean, my vision for excellence and success will focus on educating, developing, encouraging and leveraging the unique abilities of the extraordinary students, residents, fellows and faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center,” Hocker says. “We will develop health care leaders, advance human health through high-quality clinical care, advance knowledge through research and education, and serve the community of Tennessee.”
