Dr. David Weiss was appointed Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2010.

When Dr. Weiss reflects on his time at UT Health San Antonio, his perspective is shaped first and foremost by science. He speaks often about how science has changed, how rapidly it continues to evolve, and what that evolution demands of institutions responsible for preparing the next generation of scientists.

“The structure of the Health Science Center looked different when I became dean,” he reflected. At the time, he was still leading his own laboratory and also carrying out responsibilities as vice president for research.

“Clearly I had, and still have, a love for science,” he said, noting that it has been a professional thrill to serve in a role that continues to evolve rapidly. With that evolution, however, comes responsibility. “The personal challenge is trying to stay ahead and provide the best learning environment and experiences in science.”

One of the accomplishments he is most proud of contributing to is the current structure of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

“We have created a solid centralized infrastructure for the 24 different Graduate School academic programs and developed a shared governance that allows us to operate as a robust team,” he said.

For Dr. Weiss, this was not simply an organizational change, but a reflection of how science itself works.

“Science is a team effort,” he said, emphasizing that “the interactions between students, faculty and staff are critical, and I think that is where the GSBS has excelled.”

Dr. Weiss is quick to point out that this has been a collective effort.

“We have done this as a collegial team,” he said, describing a shared commitment to helping students today as they move forward into the future. He also credits the Health Science Center’s stellar scientists that have built a strong portfolio of training grants and research funding. “This important work lifts our institution and our school and it encourages the best and brightest students and faculty while attracting outstanding programs. These things together make for the very best in science and science preparedness nationally.”

What has kept him energized throughout his leadership journey is the problem-solving nature of the work itself.

“Education is changing,” he said, “and our charge and challenge is to stay ahead of those changes, to be at the forefront.”

That, he noted, has always been the professional hook for him. “How do we work together with faculty, staff and our graduate students to advance science, to help fulfill their potential, and to deliver real impact through our research and discovery?”

Reflecting on financial pressures, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and the accelerating pace of change across higher education, biomedical science and industry, Dr. Weiss observed, “We have been able to thrive well in hard times because of the spirit here, the sense that with new ideas, innovation, commitment and true collaboration in service of our mission, we can advance this institution and deliver meaningful solutions.”

“Without a doubt, what I treasure most,” Dr. Weiss shared, “is being on the stage with the students each year at graduation.” In those moments, he said, he sees the hope and inspiration in their eyes and is reminded of what this is all about. Watching graduates carry their problem-solving skills into a wide range of missions, industries and roles, he reflected, is a powerful reminder of why the work matters and why preparing students for the future of science has been his greatest source of pride.

Written By: Orith Farago