The future of the Texas A&M system’s health related education, research, and service operations is the calling of a new board of regents committee that held its first meeting Wednesday (March 18) in College Station. The regents medical and health affairs committee was formed according to a system news release to study and make recommendations related to programs and resources associated with a variety of health professions and make recommendations related to programs and resources across the health professions. That includes medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, nutrition, and veterinary medicine. The agenda for the first meeting, where no formal actions was scheduled, included hearing about research initiatives addressing critical health needs including drug shortages and discussing additional research opportunities. This is one of two new committees the regents created at its February meeting without public comment. Also established, is a group that will assist creating the system’s first strategic plan since 2016. Click HERE to read and download the agenda of the first meeting of the board of regents committee on medical and health affairs. News release from the Texas A&M system issued February 5, 2026: The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System today approved the formation of two new board committees, strengthening governance and oversight in key areas central to the System’s future: health care education and delivery, and long-term strategic planning. The Board established a new Standing Committee on Medical and Health Affairs to focus on the System’s broad portfolio of health-related education, research, and service. The committee will study and make recommendations related to programs and resources across the health professions, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, nutrition, and veterinary medicine. The committee’s work will also address the delivery of health services, including telehealth and rural health care, and ensure alignment with regional and statewide workforce priorities. “The Texas A&M University System plays a critical role in educating health professionals and expanding access to care across Texas,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton. “This committee will help ensure our efforts are coordinated, strategic, and focused on the needs of patients, communities, and students.” Vice Chairman Jay Graham will serve as chairman of the Standing Committee on Medical and Health Affairs. Other members include Regents David Baggett, John Bellinger, and Mike Hernandez. Chairman Albritton will serve as an ex officio member. In a separate action, the Board approved the formation of a Special Committee on Strategic Planning, an advisory committee that will assist the Chancellor in finalizing the System’s next strategic plan. The Special Committee on Strategic Planning will review the framework and objectives developed by the Chancellor to ensure alignment with the Board’s vision for the System. The committee will operate on an as-needed basis through adoption of the new strategic plan later this fiscal year and will not have decision-making authority. “The last System strategic plan was adopted in 2016,” Albritton said. “This committee will help ensure our next plan reflects today’s challenges, aligns our universities and agencies around common priorities, and provides a clear roadmap for the future.” Regents Robert L. Albritton, Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, and Sam Torn were appointed to the Special Committee on Strategic Planning, with Chairman Albritton serving as committee chair. Neither action carries additional financial implications. Chancellor Glenn Hegar welcomed the Board’s direction and engagement on both initiatives. “I appreciate the Board’s leadership and guidance as we work through issues that will shape the System for years to come,” Hegar said. “Strong coordination in health education and care delivery, along with a clear, shared strategic plan, helps ensure we stay focused on what matters most: serving students, strengthening our workforce, and meeting the needs of Texas.” Both committees advance the System’s long-term priorities by strengthening oversight, coordination, and strategic alignment across its universities, health programs, and state agencies.
