Melina Kibbe, MD, has been appointed as the new president of UTHealth Houston following a unanimous vote by the University of Texas System Board of Regents. The decision was announced on August 5, 2025.
Kibbe was selected as the sole finalist for the position on July 14 after a search process that included interviews with top national candidates recommended by the presidential search advisory committee.
In a statement from Kevin P. Eltife, Chairman of the Board of Regents, and John M. Zerwas, MD, Chancellor ad interim, they expressed anticipation for Kibbe’s leadership at UTHealth Houston. "We are eager for President Kibbe to begin her work with each of you, marshaling your extraordinary talent, ideas, and resources to make UTHealth Houston the best it can be for Texas and far beyond. We will look forward to introducing Dr. Kibbe to the broader community shortly after she begins her new role."
Eltife and Zerwas also acknowledged the contributions of faculty and staff at UTHealth Houston: "We are grateful for all the ways you contribute to UTHealth Houston’s leadership in education, research, and health care. We can’t wait to see what your promising future holds."
Kibbe succeeds previous leadership at an institution that has operated under its current name since 2008.
