01/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/22/2026 16:25
January 22, 2026 •4:17 p.m. by Margaret Battistelli Gardner
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has been named an inaugural recipient of a Torch Award by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Torch Awards are the organization's new recognition program celebrating member institutions for their leadership in affordability, student success, and post-college outcomes.
UTMB was selected as the Torch Award recipient in the post-college outcomes category for its excellence in the following indicators:
"It is an honor for UTMB to be among the first recipients of this unprecedented recognition," said Dr. John C. McKee, associate vice president for Institutional Effectiveness and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison for UTMB. "It demonstrates that UTMB delivers a meticulously planned and effective education across a broad variety of health-related fields."
"Students come to UTMB and are met with a demanding and rigorous program of study that leads to satisfying and successful careers," he added. "UTMB strives to deliver this training in an efficient manner, providing students with affordable options to fulfil their goals."
The Torch Awards elevate the work of institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to access, quality, accountability, and measurable improvement, reflecting the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges' mission to highlight and support student-centered excellence across the region.
The awards recognize colleges and universities of every level and size among the organization's more than 780 member institutions.
"Students at our member institutions will always be at the forefront of everything we do," said Dr. Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. "We're excited to recognize the impact our member institutions make on the lives of students and their communities.
"The Torch Awards honor our member institutions that are not only meeting high standards but pushing themselves to do even more for their students," he said.