Dr. David Weiss will retire as Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences on Friday, May 29 after nearly 16 years of distinguished leadership in this role. As Dr. Weiss begins this well-deserved retirement, his influence, leadership, and lasting impact will always be remembered, and we would like to celebrate and thank him for the difference he has made and for the remarkable example he has set for students, faculty, staff.

Faculty, staff, and students share heartfelt memories, gratitude, and best wishes in celebration of Dr. David Weiss and his retirement as Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

I have very fond memories of working with Dr. Weiss, especially during my time serving as GSBS faculty and as Chair of the Admissions Committee. He was always exceptionally thoughtful, fair, and deeply committed to both the mission of the GSBS and the success of our students. His guidance was insightful and steady, and I greatly valued the advice he shared as we navigated important decisions. Dr. Weiss consistently demonstrated genuine support for faculty and students alike, fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and academic excellence. His leadership left a lasting impact on our programs and on those of us fortunate to work with him. I wish him all the very best in his well‑earned retirement and thank him for his tremendous service and dedication to GSBS and UT Health San Antonio. -Ratna Vadlamdui, PhD

Dear Dr. Weiss, we have had the privilege of working side by side for many years. Thank you for always supporting the efforts of my office and for all you did  over the years to encourage students to consider a career in research AND importantly, to equip them for success in this arena. Your presence will be missed  on campus and at the GSBS, but your legacy and your positive impact on the lives of many will remain. Thank you again for everything. Happy Retirement! Prayers on the way for abundant blessings upon your next chapter. Sincerely, Irene Chapa   

I hope that Dean Weiss enjoys his retirement as much as I am. It was a pleasure to interact with him both as Chair of the Department of Physiology and Dean of the Graduate School. In all of David’s decisions, he was never self-aggrandizing but always thought of what would be best for the graduate school. And his sense of humor was delightful. Best of luck, David. –Alan Frazer, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor, Former Chair of the Department of Pharmacology  

Dr. Weiss,
Since my arrival in the GSBS in 2016, you have been instrumental in shaping my career, and I’m truly grateful for all the ways you’ve supported and challenged me to grow. I will genuinely miss the jovial, yet innovation-driven atmosphere you brought to the GSBS, as well as your deep commitment to our students and this community.

I’m so excited for you as you transition into this next chapter, especially the opportunity to spend more time with your grandkids. I hope it’s filled with joy, relaxation, and just enough “projects” to keep things interesting. 

With much appreciation and very warm wishes,
Jennifer Davila, PhD

P.S. In moments of stress or indecision, I will continue asking myself, “WWDWD?” — “What would David Weiss do?” to point myself in the right direction. ;) 

Dear Dean Weiss,

As you prepare for retirement, I want to sincerely thank you for the role you played in my PhD journey. Your support and advocacy at a critical moment made it possible for me to finish—I truly don’t think I would have without your help.

What stood out most was not just what you did, but how you did it—with clarity, decisiveness, and a genuine commitment to students. That kind of leadership leaves a lasting impact, and I will carry it forward in my own career.

Wishing you a well-earned retirement and plenty of time to enjoy bluegrass in the near future.

With gratitude, Anne Marie Wells, PhD 

Dear David,
I have always appreciated your wit, sense of humor, and remarkable insight, as well as the thoughtful leadership you brought to GSBS. I truly enjoyed working with you and benefited greatly from your perspective and guidance. Your support and leadership have had a meaningful impact on me, and I will miss working with you. Knowing your many hobbies and interests, I wish you a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement filled with new adventures and well-deserved time to pursue the things you love. Thank you for all you have done and for the lasting impression you have made!

Warmest wishes, Jean Jiang, PhD 

Dr. Weiss,
Some people lead with titles. You lead with kindness. When my car was stolen and you offered your bike without hesitation, that moment said everything about who you are.
You have been a constant source of warmth in what is not always an easy journey, and one of the most genuine people I have met in academic medicine. Being chosen as a Presidential Ambassador meant the world to me, not just as an honor, but because it meant you trusted me to represent something you have spent your career building.
You more than deserve this next chapter. I will carry your example of what good leadership looks like long after I leave these halls.
With deep gratitude and admiration, Shahad Abdulsahib, PhD

I will always remember and be grateful for Dr. David Weiss’s generosity and hospitality, as well as the kindness of his family, during my time as a graduate student at UTHSCSA.

As a new student, I had initially felt lonely as the only Jewish student in my class. I remember asking Dr. Weiss whether there were any Jewish student organizations on campus that I could join. He told me he did not know of any, but then he did something I will never forget: he invited me to his family’s home to celebrate the Jewish holidays.

I was fortunate to be their guest numerous times throughout graduate school, and each visit was very special to me. During a stressful and sometimes isolating period of my life, Dr. Weiss and his family gave me a sense of community, belonging, and warmth. I will always be grateful for that, and I wish him the very best in his retirement. Aaron Horning, PhD

Thank you Dean Weiss for all you have done on behalf of our students and institution! We wish you great success, happiness, and adventure in this next chapter!