Monday, November 8, 2021
The University of North Texas System Board of Regents announced the selection of Dr.
Michael R. Williams, current President of the University of North Texas Health Science
Center at Fort Worth (HSC), as the sole finalist for UNT System Chancellor. The Board
of Regents unanimously selected Dr. Williams after a months-long search process and
thoughtful consideration.
“The UNT System Board of Regents selected Dr. Williams as our next Chancellor because
we believe in his vision for, and deep understanding of, our system and member institutions,
as well as his proven track record transforming HSC,” said Laura Wright, UNT System
Board Chair. “Dr. Williams’ innovative mindset, values-based approach and focus on
customer service will be essential leading us into a changing future.”
Dr. Williams is set to become the UNT System's fifth Chancellor. At the request of the UNTS Board of Regents, Dr. Williams will continue to serve as President of HSC to lead the search for the next President of HSC and support the leadership transition.
“I am grateful for the support of the Board of Regents and the confidence they have in me to lead the UNT System as Chancellor,” Dr. Williams said. “I am excited and energized for the opportunity to lead these world-class universities forward. The potential has never been greater, and the opportunity is endless. I look forward to positioning the entire UNT System as a thought leader in higher education, and propelling meaningful, innovative ideas forward that will shape the future.”
Prior to being named HSC President in 2012, the first alumnus to serve as President,
Dr. Williams served on the UNT System Board of Regents. Under his leadership, HSC
saw record enrollment without raising tuition since 2013, created more than 650 new
medical residency slots for the DFW region, opened a new Pharmacy School, established
a Lena Pope Early Learning Center on campus and grew research awards by more than
$115 million. HSC was also ranked first among U.S. medical schools for innovation
and research impact by the George W. Bush Institute under Dr. Williams’ leadership.
Dr. Williams practiced anesthesiology and critical care medicine in Texas for more
than 20 years and is an experienced business executive and entrepreneur. Dr. Williams
served as Chief Executive Officer of Hill Country Memorial Hospital, during which
time the hospital received numerous state and national awards, becoming a Truven Top
100 U.S. hospital in 2011, 2012 and 2013, in addition to receiving the 2014 Malcolm
Baldrige National Presidential Quality Award.
As sole finalist, Dr. Williams is set to follow Ms. Lesa Roe, who announced in June
2021 her intent to retire. The Chancellor is the chief executive officer of the UNT
System and is responsible for all aspects of the System’s operations, including management
of 13,000+ employees and oversight of the three UNT System campuses – UNT in Denton,
UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth and UNT Dallas – as well as additional campuses
in downtown Dallas, Frisco and the UNT System administration.