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World’s Best: Event Celebrates ‘The Willerson Years’
James T. Willerson, M.D., smiles during a presentation at the June 11 event held to celebrate has tenure as president of the health science center.
With the appropriate theme of “World’s Best,” the guest list for the event to honor James T. Willerson, M.D., read like a who’s who of dignitaries, community leaders and local legends.
In the ballroom of the River Oaks Country Club, medical giants Denton A. Cooley, M.D., and Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., were two of the many accomplished health care professionals at an event June 11 to celebrate the past, present and future of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and specifically, the leadership of outgoing President Willerson. DeBakey passed away just one month later.
More than 450 guests were on hand to honor Dr. Willerson, president-elect of the Texas Heart Institute.
Beth Robertson, life member of the UT Health Science Center at Houston Development Board and long-time friend of Dr. Willerson, listed a few of the achievements made during the “Willerson Years.” During his seven years (2001-2008) at the health science center, endowments grew from 207 to 361, providing 59 new scholarships, and 55 faculty endowments, including 31 professorships and 24 chairs.
New Public Affairs Leader Named for UT Health Science Center
Michelle Morris held marketing, public relations positions at Abilene Christian University for 16 years
Michelle Morris
Michelle Morris, Ed.D., a marketing and public relations specialist, has been named assistant vice president for public affairs in the Office of Institutional Advancement at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Morris, currently the vice president for university relations at Abilene Christian University, begins her new role Aug. 4. She will provide leadership for the UT Health Science Center at Houston’s four public affairs teams, which include communications, media relations, web communications, and special events and creative services. She also will create and oversee a marketing and community relations team and work closely with university leadership to launch branding, marketing and fund-raising initiatives in the coming months.
“This role is a perfect fit for my background and experience, and I felt called to pursue it,” Morris said. “I’m excited about joining the team at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and I look forward to helping develop new strategies for showcasing the outstanding people and programs this university has to offer.”