HSC Family,
After a thorough national search, I am pleased to announce that the UNT System Board of Regents has selected Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams as the sole finalist for the position of president at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Dr. Trent-Adams’ long track record of innovative, collaborative and values-based leadership aligns with HSC’s mission and values.
Since 2020, Dr. Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, FAAN, has served as HSC’s executive vice president and chief strategy officer.
Dr. Trent-Adams will bring not only great expertise and a familiarity with HSC’s opportunities and challenges, but also a passionate commitment to advancing the university’s purpose to transform lives in order to improve the lives of others. She is ideally positioned to hit the ground running and keep HSC moving ambitiously forward.
Previously, Dr. Trent-Adams served as Rear Admiral, U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health. In 2017, she served as acting U.S. Surgeon General. Before joining the Office of the Surgeon General, Dr. Trent-Adams worked in the HIV/AIDS Bureau managing the $2.3 billion Ryan White Program, which funds medical care, treatment, referrals and support services for uninsured and underserved people living with HIV.
Dr. Trent-Adams has held numerous leadership positions at the Department of Health and Human Services. From 2015 through 2018, she was Deputy Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service branch of more than 6,000 officers on the front lines of public health.
She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal for leadership during the Commissioned Corps response to Ebola in West Africa and the International Red Cross Florence Nightingale Medal — the highest international honor given to a nurse.
Almost eight months ago, the search for my successor began. Countless people dedicated their time and talents to this extraordinary effort. We solicited input from faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the community in which we serve. I am grateful that many people voiced their wishes, concerns and input during the listening sessions and throughout the entire process. Please know your input was crucial in developing the criteria for the candidates. I sincerely thank you for your thoughtful contributions to this process.
I would also like to thank Regent Dan Feehan, member of the UNT System Board of Regents and chairman of FirstCash Inc., and Brian Newby, managing partner of Cantey Hanger LLP, who co-chaired the Presidential Search Committee, and the campus representatives and community members who tirelessly served on the committee with integrity and an open mind to lead us to Dr. Trent-Adams.
She is one of the most accomplished, admired, insightful and effective leaders in American higher education. This is a pivotal moment for HSC – one full of extraordinary possibilities to pursue new knowledge, enhance education and serve the community – but also a time of unique challenges and an ever-changing higher education landscape. Such an era calls for skillful leadership, strategic thinking and disciplined execution. Dr. Trent-Adams will provide just that.
Please join me in congratulating her on this appointment.
With Gratitude,
Dr. Michael R. Williams