Michael Williams Officially Named President of UNT Health Science Center

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of North Texas System Board of Regents today voted to confirm Michael R. Williams, D.O., M.D., M.B.A, as the President of the UNT Health Science Center, effective immediately.

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Last month, Williams was named sole finalist for the presidency by the Board of Regents. Under state law, university governing boards must name finalists for a presidency at least 21 days before making a permanent appointment. He has served as Interim President since December 2012 and is the first alumnus to lead the 40-year old institution.

"Under the leadership of Dr. Williams, we now have the opportunity to focus on our highest priorities and enhance our visibility and reputation specifically around work being done in Aging and Alzheimer's, Public Health and Prevention and Applied Genetics," said UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson.

"I am particularly gratified by the Fort Worth community support of the Health Science Center, as the institution explores new and more innovative ways to serve Tarrant County  and North Texas," he said.

Dr. Williams served on the UNT System Board of Regents from 2011 to 2012 and was CEO of Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg, Texas, from 2008 to 2012.  Under his leadership, the hospital received numerous awards for quality, including being named one of the Nation's 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of health care. In March, Williams was named to U.S. News & World Report's prestigious national Hospital of Tomorrow Advisory Council. He is the only health care leader from Texas serving on the council.

"The health care industry is in the midst of the most significant transformation in its history," Williams said.  "Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Fort Worth community, we are well positioned to become a destination for health care solutions through our focus on research, medical and science education and patient-focused care."

A native of Fort Worth, Williams earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Wesleyan University, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, a Medical Degree from Ross University, a Master of Business Administration from Duke University and a master's degree in Health Care Management from Harvard University. 

Williams is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in anesthesiology and critical care medicine and is a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Hospital Association, American College of Physician Executives and American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians.

**UNTS**

The University of North Texas System comprises three institutions – the University of North Texas, UNT Dallas and the University of North Texas Health Science Center – with a total enrollment of 40,000 students.  The System's flagship campus, UNT, is the nation's 25th largest public university and the most comprehensive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  A student-focused public research university with an emphasis on sustainability, UNT has 12 colleges and schools offering 97 bachelor's, 82 master's and 35 doctoral degree programs.   UNT Dallas is the first public four-year university in the city limits of Dallas.  The UNT Dallas College of Law will open in fall 2014.  The UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth trains physicians and other health and science professionals through its five colleges and schools.  The UNT System College of Pharmacy will admit its first class in fall 2013.

SOURCE UNT Health Science Center