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The University of Texas at Tyler supports each student’s educational endeavors and creates a path toward social mobility that economically stimulates our region. At the same time, our research, industry and corporate partnerships, and efforts to address rural healthcare help drive East Texas forward.
Julie V. Philley, MD is the sixth president of UT Tyler and the first woman to lead the university. A Professor of Medicine and board certified in internal, pulmonary and critical care medicine, Dr. Philley earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and her MD at UT Health Houston’s McGovern Medical School, completing an internal medicine residency program at Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital and a fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas.
Dr. James H. Stewart Jr.
Dr. James H. Stewart Jr. took office in 1972 as the first president of what would become The University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Stewart shepherded the institution’s evolution from Tyler State College to Texas Eastern University (1975) and finally to UT Tyler when it joined the UT System in 1979.
Dr. George F. Hamm
Dr. George F. Hamm became the second president of UT Tyler in 1981. Dr. Hamm broadened the university’s reputation with the creation of the Eisenhower International Golf Tournament and the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Emeritus Dr. Rodney H. Mabry
President Emeritus Dr. Rodney H. Mabry was named UT Tyler’s third president in 1998. Under his leadership, the university experienced historic growth and transformed from a small, upper-level institution into a thriving, nationally recognized comprehensive university.
Dr. Michael Tidwell
Dr. Michael Tidwell was the fourth president of UT Tyler. He took office in 2017 and further enhanced the university’s reputation. During his tenure, Carnegie recognized UT Tyler with a Doctoral Research classification.
Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun
President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, was the university’s fifth president and the first to lead the combined UT Tyler. Dr. Calhoun served as president of the UT Health Science Center at Tyler for 18 years before being appointed to lead the merger of UT Tyler and UTHSCT, as well as the launch of the first School of Medicine in the East Texas region. He retired in 2024 as the longest serving current president in the UT System.
UT Tyler goes forth with a mission of servant leadership, academic excellence, accountability and equal opportunity. As a result, our students, discoveries and collaborations all help advance the East Texas region and improve the quality of life across its communities.
In directing the university’s next stages, the President’s cabinet includes leaders from across the UT Tyler community.
As a comprehensive public university, we commit to helping students achieve their academic and career goals and serve our region through higher education, research, public service and healthcare delivery.
Explore UT Tyler’s history, from our origins as Tyler State College to earning an R2 Designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education® and Dr. Philley’s appointment as President.
Now, as one university, we strive to empower our region through affordable educational opportunities. Expanding our research activity and developing partnerships with industries, area organizations and healthcare providers further meet these objectives and grow our influence.
Email: President@uttyler.edu
Phone: 903.566.7325
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
800 UT TYLER
