SHP’s Dean Glenn Forister received 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from UTMB
Glenn Forister, PhD, PA-C, dean of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s School of Health Professions, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award by The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the medical profession through excellence in patient care, research, education, community service and leadership.
Forister is a 1990 graduate of UTMB’s Physician Assistant Studies program. His career is marked by numerous achievements and contributions to physician assistant education, including his notable academic journey influenced by mentors such as Dr. Dennis Blessing, Dr. Gene Jones and the late Dr. Richard Rahr.
Accepting the award, Forister expressed his gratitude and admiration for his peers: “I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the UTMB Distinguished PA Alumni Award,” he said. “I feel so fortunate to have known six of the eight prior recipients who have done so much for the profession.”
Forister’s academic credentials include a PhD in Education and Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University, a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska, and a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His dedication to teaching and research has earned him recognition as a Distinguished Fellow in the American Academy of Physician Associates.
Dr. Richard D. Muma, president of Wichita State University, praised his enduring commitment and leadership: “I have been a fan of Glenn since his physician assistant training culminated in 1990 at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston when he was one of my students. Glenn demonstrated excellence then, and that continues today as evidenced in his leadership excellence at The University of North Texas Health Science Center.”
Forister’s impact extends beyond academia. He has been actively involved with the PA Education Association, contributing as a feature editor, contributor and reviewer for the Journal of Physician Assistant Education. His textbook, Introduction to Research and Medical Literature for Health Professionals, remains a valuable resource for health care students and professionals.
In addition to his academic and editorial contributions, Forister has a rich history of clinical practice, having worked in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, family medicine and urgent care. He also served as a PA and commissioned officer in the U.S. Army/Army Reserve Medical Specialty Corps from 2000 to 2008.
Jennifer Eames, DHSc, DFAAPA, PA-C, a professor at the Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program, lauded Forister’s enduring influence: “Glenn Forister is a paragon of our profession. He has advanced medical education for decades through his ongoing work and advocacy efforts. Dr. Forister is well known nationally and deserving of recognition for his leadership.”
The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Physician Assistant Studies Alumni Association at UTMB. It is presented annually to an alumnus who exemplifies excellence and commitment to the medical profession. Forister’s recognition is a testament to his unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the field of physician assistant studies and health care education.
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