UNTHSC President honored for leadership excellence

April 18, 2019

By Alex Branch

 
UNT Health Science Center President Michael R. Williams is the recipient of the 2019 Halsey Executive Leadership Award, a recognition given by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce to honor leadership excellence in business.

Dr. Williams received the award Wednesday at the Chamber’s annual meeting.

The Halsey Award is named for Susan Halsey, a prominent Fort Worth attorney and businesswoman who died from cancer in 2014. The award recognizes presidents, principals or chief executive officers who strengthen and transform the organization they lead.

“In leading the establishment of the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, Dr. Williams has opened a new chapter in Fort Worth history,” said Lonnie Nicholson, Chamber Board Chairman and President and CEO of EECU. “His visionary leadership and entrepreneurial genius exemplify every attribute for which the Halsey Award stands.”

Halsey Award recipients meet criteria in six categories: Supporting Business Advancement; Creating a Vision and Inspiring Others; Establishing a Positive Image; Encouraging Innovation; Giving Back to the Community; Mentorship.

The Chamber recognized UNTHSC for an array of achievements under Dr. Williams’ leadership, including an agreement between UNTHSC, TCU and Medical City Healthcare to create 500 new residency positions across North Texas in seven years, a move that will help address the state’s growing physician shortage.

The university also has transformed itself into a leader in the city’s conversation about entrepreneurship and innovation, establishing a new Institute for Translational Research to provide patients with access to new therapeutics and diagnostics faster than ever before.

The UNTHSC Research Division and Institutional Advancement team have increased the amount of awards and philanthropic gifts received to record highs, the Chamber noted.

Dr. Williams said he was honored to receive the Halsey Award and credited the Extraordinary Teamwork that is performed every day at UNTHSC for the institution’s success.

“A leader is only as good as the teams he leads,” Dr. Williams said. “At the Health Science Center, we are engaged in crucial and meaningful work training the health care providers of the future. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the UNT Health Science Center team.”