San Antonio, Texas, December 18, 2025
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been granted a transformative $30 million donation from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation. This funding will enhance public health education and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes, particularly among rural communities in South Texas. In recognition of this generous contribution, the university’s School of Public Health will be renamed to honor Kate Marmion, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to public health and community service.
San Antonio, Texas
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) has received a transformative $30 million donation from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation to enhance public health education and initiatives across South Texas.
This substantial gift will support the mission of the UT San Antonio School of Public Health, focusing on improving health outcomes in rural communities. In recognition of the foundation’s generosity, the UT System Board of Regents has approved renaming the school to the Kate Marmion School of Public Health.
The funding will be allocated to community outreach programs, fellowships, scholarships, and targeted health interventions addressing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These efforts aim to develop evidence-based solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural populations, remove barriers to healthcare access, and deliver measurable improvements in health across the region.
Established in 2022, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health is a collaborative initiative between UT Health San Antonio and UT San Antonio. The school is dedicated to training future public health leaders, advancing research, and addressing healthcare needs in South Texas. Dr. Vasan Ramachandran, the inaugural dean of the school, emphasized that the gift will accelerate the development of effective public health interventions and strengthen community partnerships.
The Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation honors the legacy of Kate Marmion, the daughter of Janey Briscoe Marmion and granddaughter of former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. and Janey Slaughter Briscoe. The foundation’s commitment to public health reflects a longstanding dedication to improving the well-being of communities across Texas.
UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy expressed profound gratitude for the gift, stating that it will significantly enhance the university’s capacity to improve health outcomes in South Texas, particularly in underserved rural areas. The donation underscores the university’s commitment to addressing health disparities and fostering a healthier future for the region.
Community Impact and Health Initiatives
The generous donation will be utilized to enhance various health initiatives that directly address pressing health needs in South Texas, particularly in rural communities. By focusing on chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health aims to craft solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable. Community outreach programs will play a vital role in this endeavor, ensuring that health education and resources reach underserved populations.
Training Future Public Health Leaders
The establishment of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health is a significant step toward training the next generation of public health leaders. This institution, born from collaboration between UT Health San Antonio and UT San Antonio, emphasizes research and education tailored to the specific health challenges faced by local communities. By attracting talented individuals to public health careers, the program seeks to enhance the quality of healthcare across South Texas.
A Legacy of Support for Public Health
The Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation’s commitment to public health continues a family legacy of community service. Recognizing the vital role that health plays in economic growth and stability, this donation aims to create a healthier population, which in turn can lead to more robust economic development. By investing in public health, the foundation acknowledges that healthier communities can foster greater entrepreneurial activity and innovation.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The donation is not just a financial contribution; it encapsulates a vision of collaboration and partnership with local communities. Strengthening relationships between the school and rural health providers will be key to developing interventions that genuinely benefit residents. By removing barriers to healthcare access and engaging with local leaders, the school can implement programs that are impactful and rooted in the real needs of the population.
Conclusion
The $30 million donation from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation marks a significant milestone for the University of Texas at San Antonio and highlights the importance of public health initiatives in South Texas. By empowering communities with targeted interventions, fellowships, and educational support, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health stands poised to make measurable improvements in health outcomes across rural areas. The commitment to fostering healthier individuals and communities serves not just to advance public health, but to stimulate the overall economy of San Antonio and its surrounding areas.
Readers are encouraged to engage with local health initiatives and support educational programs that foster innovation and resilience in San Antonio’s communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the amount of the donation received by UT San Antonio?
The University of Texas at San Antonio received a transformative $30 million donation from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation to enhance public health education and initiatives across South Texas.
What will the funding be used for?
The funding will be allocated to community outreach programs, fellowships, scholarships, and targeted health interventions addressing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These efforts aim to develop evidence-based solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural populations, remove barriers to healthcare access, and deliver measurable improvements in health across the region.
What is the significance of renaming the school?
In recognition of the foundation’s generosity, the UT System Board of Regents has approved renaming the school to the Kate Marmion School of Public Health. This honors the legacy of Kate Marmion, the daughter of Janey Briscoe Marmion and granddaughter of former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. and Janey Slaughter Briscoe.
Who is Dr. Vasan Ramachandran?
Dr. Vasan Ramachandran is the inaugural dean of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health. He emphasized that the gift will accelerate the development of effective public health interventions and strengthen community partnerships.
What is the mission of the Kate Marmion School of Public Health?
Established in 2022, the Kate Marmion School of Public Health is a collaborative initiative between UT Health San Antonio and UT San Antonio. The school is dedicated to training future public health leaders, advancing research, and addressing healthcare needs in South Texas.
Key Features of the Donation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $30 million from the Kate Marmion Charitable Foundation |
| Purpose | Enhance public health education and initiatives across South Texas |
| Funding Allocation | Community outreach programs, fellowships, scholarships, and targeted health interventions |
| Focus Areas | Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in rural communities |
| School Renaming | UT System Board of Regents approved renaming to Kate Marmion School of Public Health |
| Foundation’s Legacy | Honors Kate Marmion, daughter of Janey Briscoe Marmion and granddaughter of former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. and Janey Slaughter Briscoe |
| Inaugural Dean | Dr. Vasan Ramachandran emphasized the gift’s impact on public health interventions and community partnerships |
| University’s Mission | Address health disparities and improve health outcomes in South Texas, particularly in underserved rural areas |
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