MCALLEN, Texas - DHR Health and the University of Houston held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new medical research and education center on April 23, 2026.
The center will be built on the DHR campus on the south side of Dove Avenue in McAllen.
The two institutions said their collaboration represents a milestone investment that will expand health education programs and improve access to care in one of Texas' most rapidly growing and high-demand regions.
The speakers were Renu Khator, president of UH, Dr. Manish Singh, CEO of DHR Health, McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil, Jonathan A. McCullers, UH vice president of health affairs and dean of the Fertitta College of Medicine, and Dr. Scott Lillibridge, executive vice president and CEO of the DHR Health Institute for Research and Development.
The emcee was Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president of DHR Health.
“This ground-breaking symbolizes the start of an exciting new chapter for the Fertitta College of Medicine, while expanding the role of the College of Pharmacy,” Khator said. “We are honored to partner with DHR Health, whose vibrant growth and unwavering dedication have established it as a premier, nationally recognized leader in physician-led care. Together we are expanding horizons for our students and researchers, while improving health in the fast-growing Rio Grande Valley.”
UH's McCullers said: “This partnership is now becoming a reality in a way that will directly impact how we train physicians and deliver care in South Texas. Working alongside DHR Health, we are creating new opportunities for hands-on training and advancing research that addresses the region’s most pressing health needs.”
Jason Smith, vice president for government and community relations at UH, said: “This project reflects years of collaboration with state and regional leaders who understand the importance of expanding access to health education and care in South Texas.Their support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life and ensuring the University of Houston can continue to serve communities across the Rio Grande Valley.”
Susan Turley, president of DHR Health, said: “Our mission has always been to elevate the quality of health care and medical education in the Rio Grande Valley. Partnering with the University of Houston allows us to accelerate that mission and bring new resources, research collaborations and training opportunities to the region. Together, we are investing in a healthier future for South Texas.”
Here is a video recording of the speeches from the podium:
