Thank you, President Hartzell.  I know you and President Pisters are as excited as I am about this novel collaboration linking two world-class UT institutions.

In response to questions about the virtues of university systems – and surprisingly, there have been some – I’ve always said that to be successful a university system needs to be more than simply the sum of its parts.  Thank you all for providing proof for my claim! 

I especially want to thank Karen Willcox and David Jaffray their leadership in helping make this partnership possible. 

I’m delighted…honored…to be a small part of what looks to be a very impressive agenda.  Thanks to everyone for your presence today.  

Background

Much has happened since January when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network advisory regarding an outbreak of disease in China.  Two weeks later the first COVID-19 notice was issued from the UT System Office of Risk Management to risk and safety officers at the 14 UT institutions.   On March 2, the UT System issued system-wide guidance on international travel, spring break and personal travel and travelers returning to campus.   Three days later we issued guidelines elevating approvals for out of state travel, a required review of infection control, and post-travel return to work protocols.   At the same time Executive Vice Chancellor John Zerwas and I began twice weekly conference calls with health presidents, and Executive Vice Chancellor St

Introduction

Thank you, Chairman Eltife. 

First, I want to say thank you to the members of this Board for your thoughtful leadership at this time, and the guidance and support you have given me and the presidents of our 14 institutions.   I’ve been in regular communication with Chairman Eltife and have appreciated the opportunity to keep all Board members updated on a regular basis.