UTHealth Houston School of Public Health marked a significant milestone with the topping out ceremony for its new facility on February 24. The final beam was placed on the 10-story, 350,000-square-foot building, which is currently under construction in the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park. This new facility, estimated to cost $299 million, is expected to open in fall 2026.
The building will feature multipurpose spaces, distance-learning technology, an auditorium and teaching kitchen, research laboratories, and classrooms supporting various disciplines. "Everything in the building is consistent with the school’s mission," stated Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, dean of the School of Public Health. He emphasized that it is not just about the physical structure but also about the people and functionality within.
The school's mission focuses on changing health culture through education, research, and engagement. It currently has 180 faculty members, 500 staff, and 1,300 students as of spring 2025.
Jagat Narula, MD, PhD, highlighted the increased need for public health resources post-pandemic. "It is estimated that state and local health departments will need to hire a minimum of 80,000 positions to adequately provide community health services in the coming years," Narula said. He stressed UTHealth Houston's role in addressing these challenges by providing a collaborative environment for learning and innovation.
Founded in 1967 as Texas's first public health school, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers specialized training across multiple locations including Austin and Dallas.
