For immediate release: July 31, 2007

GALVESTON, Texas - Susan H. Coulter, vice president for university advancement at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston since 1998, has accepted the position of vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, effective Aug. 31.

Coulter helped lead UTMB to the successful completion, in May, of its $250 million comprehensive campaign, 18 months ahead of schedule. This is the most money ever raised by the university in any three and one-half-year period and represents a fivefold increase in annual philanthropic contributions to the institution. During Coulter's nine and one-half years at UTMB, the number of volunteers participating in advancement initiatives increased by 93 percent and UTMB Development Board membership grew from 64 to 100, including members from 32 cities and 24 counties throughout Texas.

"I consider it a great privilege to have worked with Susan Coulter," said UTMB President John D. Stobo. "She is a remarkable individual whose expertise in fundraising and relationship-building has greatly enhanced this very special institution. She has also been a passionate advocate for UTMB and a moral compass for executive leadership throughout her tenure."

Coulter said she is "looking forward to working with the talented faculty and staff at UT Health Science Center-Houston and continuing to build an advancement program that will support its many excellent programs in health sciences education, research and clinical care."

"That said, this is not a decision I made lightly," Coulter said. "My years here have been among the most fulfilling of my professional career. I believe in UTMB, I respect its special mission, and I am convinced that the institution is stronger now than at any point in its history. I also consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such outstanding faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors and volunteers."

As vice president for institutional advancement at UT Health Science Center-Houston, Coulter will have responsibility for fundraising, communications and alumni relations.

"It will be difficult to replace Susan," said UTMB President-Designate David L.  Callender. "She has provided a strong vision for advancement and built a team that has contributed greatly to the institution."

Callender said he is committed to a smooth and stable transition. He has named Dr. Barbara Breier, current assistant vice president for strategic initiatives and former executive director for development at the University of Texas System, as the interim associate vice president for development, effective Sept. 1. Breier will continue to fulfill her current responsibilities in addition to those involved in the interim position.

"My decision to ask Dr. Breier to serve in this capacity is based on her 20-plus years of experience in development, her extensive knowledge of higher education, and her broad-based understanding of UTMB's programs and people," Callender said.

Christine Comer, associate vice president for public affairs, will continue to direct institutional communications. Breier and Comer will report to Callender during the transition.

Opened in 1891, UTMB was Texas' first medical school and its first academic health center. The university has awarded more than 26,000 medical, nursing, allied health sciences and graduate degrees during its 115-year history. The university operates a comprehensive patient care enterprise, with six hospitals in Galveston, and more than 100 campus- and community-based clinics throughout East and southeast Texas. UTMB is ranked 38th nationally and third among Texas medical schools in National Institutes of Health funding. UTMB has an annual budget of $1.4 billion and employs approximately 12,000 faculty and staff. The institution is the largest employer in Galveston County.

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Public Affairs Office
301 University Boulevard, Suite 3.102
Galveston, Texas 77555-0144
www.utmb.edu