Let us determine the future of UTHealth Houston together. Because what's next starts now.
Melina R. Kibbe, MD
Watch the Investiture Ceremony
About Investiture
Investiture is one of higher education's most enduring traditions, marking the formal installation of a university president and affirming the responsibilities entrusted to the office. Steeped in centuries of academic history, the ceremony honors both institutional history and a shared commitment to the future.
On September 17, 2026, Melina R. Kibbe, MD, was formally vested as UTHealth Houston’s seventh president. Hosted by The University of Texas System Chairman Kevin P. Eltife and the Board of Regents and Chancellor John M. Zerwas, MD, the ceremony brought together academic leaders, faculty, staff, students, trainees, alumni, and distinguished guests from across the academic health community.
The ceremony featured the time-honored traditions of an academic procession, the presentation of presidential symbols of office, and the formal act of investiture. President Kibbe delivered an investiture address exploring the opportunities ahead for UTHealth Houston and the collective commitment to build a future defined by excellence, innovation, and impact.
Kibbe formally installed as seventh UTHealth Houston president
With the university’s ceremonial mace at her side and the presidential chain of office newly placed around her shoulders, Melina R. Kibbe, MD, stood before the UTHealth Houston community Sept. 17 as the institution’s seventh president—formally entrusted with leading its next chapter.
About President Kibbe
As the seventh president of UTHealth Houston and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair, Melina R. Kibbe, MD, is building on a distinguished legacy and leading UTHealth Houston into a new era of innovation and impact—preparing the next generation of health professionals, driving discoveries, and improving health outcomes for communities across Texas and beyond.
A renowned physician-scientist, educator, and national leader in academic medicine, President Kibbe has devoted her career to advancing the treatment of vascular disease. Her contributions have helped shape the field while exemplifying the integration of scientific discovery, clinical excellence, and academic leadership.
About UTHealth Houston
UTHealth Houston is Houston’s Health University and Texas’ resource for health care education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. For more than five decades, the university has brought together educators, researchers, clinicians, students, and trainees to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
As a comprehensive academic health institution, UTHealth Houston trains the next generation of health professionals, advances knowledge through groundbreaking research, and delivers compassionate care through its schools, clinical practices, and hospital partnerships. Together, these efforts are shaping the future of health in Houston, across Texas, and around the world.
Celebrate This Milestone with a Gift
President Kibbe’s Investiture marked a historic moment for UTHealth Houston, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Honor this milestone with a gift supporting the people, programs, and discoveries that are shaping the future of health.