From Houstonchronicle · · 1m 10s
UTHealth Houston opens new public health school
UTHealth Houston's state-of-the-art public health school opens to students in fall 2026.
In brief
UTHealth Houston's state-of-the-art public health school opens to students in fall 2026. UTHealth Houston opened a 350,000-square-foot public health school in Houston to support research and education on chronic disease prevention. Originally reported by Houstonchronicle.
New facility opens
The new UTHealth Houston School of Public Health tower opened to students at the beginning of the fall semester.
Building details
The 10-story, 350,000-square-foot facility includes a teaching kitchen, genetics labs, and a recording studio.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
UTHealth Houston leaders participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
Research focus
The school aims to improve healthcare access and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Hands-on learning
Students use teaching kitchens and simulation labs to prepare healthful meals and assess lifelike manikins.
Community engagement
The building is located next to a parking garage to improve public access for health studies and events.
Future plans
The school will host focus groups and research on communicating during public health crises like outbreaks.
Leadership vision
Dean Eric Boerwinkle said the building supports education for public health challenges and reduces misinformation.
The headline
UTHealth Houston opened a 350,000-square-foot public health school in Houston to support research and education on chronic disease prevention.
