School of Community and Rural Health Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting

September 19, 2019

Chairman Eltife, President Calhoun, Chancellor Milliken and others cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the SCRH.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler celebrated the grand opening of their newest addition to campus, the School of Community and Rural Health, on Thursday, September 19, 2019. The 89,000-square-foot structure houses classrooms equipped with the latest educational technology for students pursuing a master’s degree in public health or health administration.

In addition to the classrooms, the building houses a teaching kitchen, faculty, staff and administrative offices, event space and a mural that spans nearly an entire wall. The mural, painted by Kilgore artist L.C. Kitchen in 1991, illustrates UT Health Science Center at Tyler’s evolution throughout the years. Beginning with Camp Fannin and spanning to the creation of the institution it is today, President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD emphasizes that the university’s growth is geared towards the benefit of East Texans.

“I see the mural in terms of our mission then and now,” said Dr. Calhoun. “As we move forward, our mission continues to change.”

Calhoun explained that the School of Community and Rural Health will play an important role in UT Health Science Center at Tyler’s goal of improving the health outcomes of East Texans. The 28 counties that comprise East Texas have been cited as among the unhealthiest in the state. In a report jointly prepared and released in 2016 by The University of Texas System and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, the East Texas region, which covers more than 25,000 square miles with a population of more than 1.5 million people— 50% of whom live in rural areas— ranks 47th in chronic lower respiratory disease mortality, 49th in heart disease mortality, 51st in stroke mortality and 45th in overall (all-cause) mortality.

“The greatest gains in improving health have come from innovations and training in the public health sector,” commented Dr. Calhoun. “Our new school is the platform to launch the next wave of health professionals into our community, equipped to solve the challenges we face here in East Texas. Our goal is to lift entire groups of people. This is what community health is all about.”

In addition to the university’s graduate education, the School of Community and Rural Health provides boots on the ground via a multitude of community outreach programs. These programs span an array of fields such as convenient asthma care, colorectal cancer screenings, affordable dental care, parental education, smoking cessation and many more.

“The health of East Texas has always been of the utmost importance since my arrival,” commented Dr. Calhoun. “With the opening of the School of Community and Rural Health, combined with our research and hospital system, I firmly believe we are on track to truly impact the health of this community.”