One school to six
The UNT Health Science Center (UNTHSC) began when the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) accepted its first students in 1970. Founders were D.D. Beyer, DO; George Luibel, DO; and Carl Everett, DO. The first class of doctors of osteopathic medicine graduated in 1974.
In May 1975, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 216, which made TCOM a state-assisted medical school under the jurisdiction of the North Texas State University Board of Regents.
TCOM transformed into a health science center with the addition of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) in 1993, a Physician Assistant Studies Program, now the Department of Physician Assistant Studies (PA) in 1997, and the School of Public Health (SPH) in 1999.
Growth continued with addition of the fourth and fifth schools – the School of Health Professions (SHP) in 1997 and the UNT System College of Pharmacy (SCP) in 2013.
In 2015, UNTHSC reached its current volume of six schools with the creation of the Texas Christian University-UNT Health Science Center School of Medicine. No other Health Science Center in Texas has these six medical professions training together on one centralized campus, making the University a model for teamwork and collaboration.
Physical growth
Initially, TCOM held classes in a converted bowling alley and a garage apartment. Those makeshift classrooms evolved into a modern campus in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District.
In 2005, UNTHSC purchased the adjacent former Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas property, increasing the campus from 16 to 33 acres.
In 2018, UNTHSC built its newest campus facility, the Interdisciplinary Research and Education Building. The five-story, 173,000-square-foot building houses the UNT System College of Pharmacy, the TCU-UNTHSC School of Medicine and the North Texas Eye Research Institute. It was the first new research building at the Health Science Center in 14 years.
Community
UNTHSC proudly serves the community through a variety of community and school outreach programs. UNTHSC founded its signature event, the annual Cowtown Marathon, and co-founded Fort Worth’s annual Hispanic Wellness Fair. It remains highly involved in both.
UNTHSC launched Fort Worth’s first Mobile Pediatric Clinic in 2013 to deliver health care to children living in underserved parts of the city.
Leadership
Six presidents have led UNTHSC:
- Marion E. Coy, DO, 1972-1981
- Ralph L. Willard, DO, 1981-1985
- David M. Richards, DO, 1986-1999
- Ronald R. Blanck, DO, 2001- 2006
- Scott B. Ransom, DO, MBA, MPH, 2006-2012
- Michael R. Williams, DO, MD, MBA, 2012-current
UNTHSC Today
Purpose: Transform lives in order to improve the lives of others.
Vision: Create One University built on values, defining and producing the providers of the future.
Mission: Create solutions for a healthier community.
Our Values
- Serve Others First
- Integrity
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Be Visionary
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