Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Unveils Craddicks’ Honorary Name for Physician Assistant Studies Program

• By Andrea Storm
• October 24, 2024
• Campus Life

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) unveiled a new name for a decade-old program on Oct. 15. The Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program honors Rep. Tom Craddick and his wife Nadine, who have been instrumental in starting and maintaining the program.

During the 86th legislative session in 2019, Craddick helped secure $20 million in state funding that enabled the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Studies Program to undertake a $30 million expansion completed in 2022. TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., said these state-of-the-art spaces ensure the university is equipped to train the next generation of physician assistants in West Texas.

“We are proud to honor the Craddicks with this honorary naming,” Rice-Spearman said. “Their advocacy and support have been instrumental in the growth of our Physician Assistant Studies Program and advancing health care for this region. Their legacy will continue to make an impact for years to come.”

Physician assistants are essential in bridging health care gaps in remote and underserved areas. The program, housed on the Midland College Campus, has produced more than 1,000 alumni to date.

“Nadine and I have a longstanding passion for both health care and education. This program is the perfect combination of both of these passions. We are honored to have the Physician Assistant Studies Program named after us. Even more so, we are proud of the work this program is doing. These graduates are making a difference in the lives of those living and working in the Permian Basin,” Craddick said.

Christina Robohm-Leavitt, DMSc, TTUHSC School of Health Professions’ Midland regional dean and Physician Assistant Studies Program director, said TTUHSC is genuinely grateful to the Craddicks for their dedication to Midland, the Permian Basin and TTUHSC.

“With expanded enrollment, outstanding facilities and continued success in graduating amazing physician assistants, we are well positioned to continue fulfilling our mission of improving health care education and access in our community,” Robohm-Leavitt said. “Thank you again to Nadine and Tom Craddick for their unwavering support and advocacy.”