The University of Texas Medical Branch’s Office of the Provost and Office of Faculty Affairs have announced the 2025 UTMB Faculty Excellence Award honorees.
In total, 18 nominations were submitted from across the institution. Those who are honored this year are:
- Excellence Award in Clinical Service: Roman V. Petrov, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS
- Excellence Award in Education: Sharron Forest, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC
- Excellence Award in Mentoring: Amr Abouleish, MD, MBA, and Jeremy Somerson, MD, FAAOS
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Clinical Service: Cynthia A. Judice, MD, FAAP
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Education: Trish Richard, PhD, RN
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Research: Abbey B. Berenson, MD, PhD, MMS
“What our faculty members have achieved either over the last year or during their incredible lifelong careers reflects the breadth and depth of UTMB’s unique innovations, breakthrough discoveries, advancements in education and patient care,” said Dr. Susan Chubinskaya, UTMB senior vice president and provost (interim).
“Together, it reflects UTMB’s culture and its commitment to humanity,” she said
A culture of recognition and appreciation is vital for an academic health science center to thrive, Chubinskaya said.
“It strengthens our community, inspires continued excellence and reminds us of the power of dedication, innovation and mentorship,” she said.
The Faculty Excellence Awards program was created last year to support the offices’ mission to build the culture of appreciation and valuing of UTMB faculty by highlighting and celebrating notable faculty members from across the institution.
“UTMB is committed to preparing the next generation of clinicians and life science professionals to walk confidently into the future of health care—not only to fit in or keep up, but to lead,” said Dr. Jochen Reiser, president of UTMB and CEO of the UTMB Health System.
“Those honored here embody this institution’s commitment to excellence, not just here and now but to the future of medicine and health care worldwide,” he said. “We are incredibly proud to have them as part of the UTMB family—and I thank them for their work and dedication.”
Winners will be honored at the Faculty Recognition Reception on Sept. 4.