Board of Regents Honor Professor with Posthumous Emeritus

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents today (Feb. 28) approved the title of posthumous professor emeritus for Harry M. Weitlauf, M.D., for his long and faithful service to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and the School of Medicine.

TTUHSC President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., said Weitlauf’s contributions have impacted not only the university, but the community as well.

“He was involved in the expansion of cancer research at the university, bringing new researchers to West Texas, and encouraging collaboration across the region,” Mitchell said. “He was a passionate champion for those affected with cancer and was instrumental in bringing the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge to Lubbock. His spirit and compassion in all that he did will impact many generations to come.”

Steven L. Berk, M.D., executive vice president, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, said Weitlauf was a dedicated teacher, who thoroughly enjoyed the classroom and interaction with students.

“The personal impact of Dr. Weitlauf’s service to the School of Medicine is immeasurable,” Berk said. “His dedication to faculty, staff and students was evident in everything he did. He is sorely missed by all of us.”

Weitlauf received his medical degree from the University of Washington in 1963 and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Kansas Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health. He joined the TTUHSC School of Medicine in 1982 as a professor and chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry where he served until his death on Oct. 11, 2012.

He was a committed educator and researcher, focusing on human embryology, developmental biology and histology. He passionately championed the integration of ultrasound teaching in anatomy curriculum. He had a distinguished list of publications, extramural grants, scientific presentations, numerous awards and an outstanding record of administrative service to the university.

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