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College of Health Professions
Division of Academic Affairs
  • About
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    About

    The College of Health Professions at UTRGV offers diverse programs in health sciences, research, and community initiatives. Learn more about how we are advancing healthcare education and serving communities across South Texas and beyond.

    • Accreditations
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    • Advisory Council
    • Dean
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    Schools & Departments

    Explore The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s College of Health Professions, offering diverse, high-quality programs in physical therapy, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, nutrition, health sciences, and more. Join innovative faculty and programs committed to empowering students, promoting health equity, and transforming regional and global communities.

    • School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling
    • Department of Communication Disorders
    • Department of Health & Biomedical Sciences
    • Department of Health & Human Performance
    • Department of Health Sciences
    • Department of Medical Laboratory Science
    • Department of Nutrition & Dietetics
    • Department of Occupational Therapy
    • Department of Physical Therapy
    • Department of Physician Assistant
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    Community Initiatives

    Explore the Community Initiatives of the UTRGV College of Health Professions, offering a range of services and offices dedicated to supporting and improving the health and well-being of our community. Discover programs, resources, and initiatives designed to make a positive impact.

    • Border Health Office
    • Speech and Hearing Center
  • Research
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    Research
    Research

    Explore the UTRGV College of Health Professions’ Research Enhancement and Support Team (CREST), offering comprehensive support for faculty, staff, and student research. Services include funding guidance, proposal development, and compliance support to foster a thriving research culture. Connect with expert faculty and access essential research resources.

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    • Undergraduate Research
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    Resources

    Discover resources at UTRGV's College of Health Professions to support student success, including academic programs, internships, health insurance information, counseling services, and more. Explore opportunities in healthcare education, research, and leadership with the Texas Society of Allied Health Professions and UTRGV's diverse health services.

    • Faculty Resources
    • Interprofessional Educational Academy
    • Program Coordinators
    • Student Academic Appeals
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Advisory Council

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Contact Us

Office of the Dean
Edinburg Office - Health Affairs Building West - EHABW 2.230
Brownsville Office - Biomedical Research and Health Building - BBRHB 2.101
cohpinfo@utrgv.edu
956-665-2291
956-882-5000

Executive Council Members

Dr. Michael Lehker - Dean of the College of Health Professions  

Ms. Sandra Guajardo - College Administrator  

Dr. Christopher Ledingham - Senior Associate Dean & Department of Health Sciences Interim-Chair  

Dr. Lydia Aguilera - Associate Dean for Interprofessional Education and Special Projects  

Dr. Murat Karabulut - Associate Dean for Research   

Dr. Zelma Mata - Associate Dean for Affiliations and Accreditation & Department of Health and Human Performance Chair  

Dr. Lin Wang - Associate Dean for Student Success and Assessment  

Mr. Fidencio Mercado - School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Interim Director  

Dr. Daniela Gill – Department of Medical Laboratory Science Chair 

Ms. Rachel Villarreal – Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Interim Chair 

Mr. Frank Ambriz - Department of Physician Assistant Chair  

Dr. Ruth Crutchfield- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders Chair  

Dr. Mark Lester - Department of Physical Therapy Director  

Dr. Saraswathy Nair - Department of Health & Biomedical Sciences Chair  

Dr. Shirley Wells - Department of Occupational Therapy Chair  

Ms. Doreen D. Garza - UTRGV Border Health Office Director

College of Health Professions Trailblazers Society Dean's Advisory Council

Dr. Edwin Estevez, Chair 
RGV Accountable Care Organization 

Mr. Eddie Olivarez, Vice-Chair 
Hidalgo County Health and Human Services

Ms. Aissa Garza, Secretary 
Forensic Accounting and Litigation Services

Francisco Almaraz 
Texas Workforce Solutions 

Eliza Alvarado 
Region One 

Lance Ames 
Edinburg Regional Medical 

Leslie Bingham 
Valley Baptist-Brownsville 

Wally Cantu  
Valley AIDS Council 

Michael Cline  
Valley Baptist Health System 

Kane Dawson
Mission Regional Medical Center

Laura Disque
Rio Grande Regional Hospital

Edwin Estevez
RGV ACO

Aissa Garza
Forensic Accounting and Litigation Firm

Esmeralda Guajardo
Cameron County Public Health

Charles Stark 
South Texas Health Systems

Rene Lopez 
Knapp Medical Center

Eddie Olivarez
Hidalgo County Health and Human Service

Joe Ochoa
Ochoa Pharmacy

Emilie Prot
Public Health Region 11

Patty Rosenlund
Easter Seals

Manish Singh
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance 

Michael Lehker 
Dean

Christopher Ledingham
Senior Associate Dean

Zelma Mata
Associate Dean for Accreditation, Assessment, and Affiliations

Lin Wang
Associate Dean for Student Success

Lydia Aguilera
Associate Dean for Interprofessional Education and Special Projects

Murat Karabulut
Associate Dean for Research

College of Health Professions

Edinburg Office

Health Affairs Building West - EHABW 2.230
Phone: 956-665-2291
Email: cohpinfo@utrgv.edu

Brownsville Office

Biomedical Research & Health Building - BBRHB 2.101
Phone: 956-882-5000

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