Regents Discuss Name for New Health Sciences University in El Paso

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents met this week to consider the name of a freestanding health sciences university at the current Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) campus in El Paso.

TTUHSC has been an integral part of the El Paso community for almost 40 years. Regents initiated and approved the process for establishing a freestanding health sciences university in El Paso in May.

“Having an independent health sciences university in El Paso will be a great addition to the Texas Tech University System and the region,” said Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance. “We are committed to advancing higher education and health care in the State of Texas, and this new university will further our efforts to improve the wellbeing of our citizens through research, patient care and outreach.”

The proposed name of the new health sciences university, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso, defines the academic nature of the institution and will distinguish it from other establishments of higher learning within the greater border region of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.

“The potential exists for this health sciences university to make even greater strides in addressing the shortage of health care professionals in El Paso and the rest of the state,” said Jose Manuel de la Rosa, M.D., vice president for health affairs in El Paso. “It will help the region become a powerful economic engine that enhances El Paso’s economy with skilled workers, solid careers and quality health care services.”

Since its inception, the current TTUHSC El Paso campus has grown to include the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing. Also, students at the TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at El Paso start classes in January.

The name of the new university will be presented to the 83^rd Texas Legislature for approval.

For more breaking news and experts, follow @ttuhscnews on Twitter.