Why did we change the name of McGovern Medical School?

We changed the name to honor the $75 million gift from the John P. McGovern Foundation.

When did the name change go into effect?

The name change went into effect the day the gift was announced, Nov. 23, 2015

How should I refer to the school name in written or spoken references?

The UTHealth Medical School was renamed John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, Nov. 23, 2015. Its official short name is McGovern Medical School.

The following are answers to FAQ and guidelines in the proper use of the new school name in print, narrative and conversation.

  • McGovern Medical School is not preceded by “the.”
  • McGovern Medical School is not preceded by “UTHealth Houston” Though McGovern Medical School falls under the umbrella organization of UTHealth Houston, neither its formal long name nor short name legally includes “UTHealth Houston.” As a “named” school, McGovern Medical School will describe its affiliation with UTHealth Houston in narrative form (examples to follow).
  • The long name — John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School – will be reserved for certain official documents, letterhead, building signage, wayfinding signage and other uses determined by the Dean’s Office of McGovern Medical School and the Office of the President of UTHealth Houston.

Acceptable ways to describe UTHealth Houston’s relationship with McGovern Medical School:

  • McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
  • McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)
  • McGovern Medical School, a part of UTHealth Houston.
  • UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School… (this possessive usage should be used sparingly)

How do I refer to the school on my CV?

Acceptable ways to describe the name change on transcripts or alumni documentation:

  • Karen Kaplan, MD, ’77, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston (now known as McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston)
  • Karen Kaplan, MD, McGovern Medical School, formerly The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) Medical School.

If I already have a degree, will my transcripts be changed to reflect the new name?

No. Transcripts for all UTHealth Houston schools include the name of our institution as The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and then include the student’s degree program.

Did we change the logo?

Yes. We worked with the McGovern Foundation to create a new logo.

Where can I download the new McGovern Medical School logo?

You may access the new logo from our Office of Communications:
Access the new McGovern Medical School logo

Will I get new business cards?

Business cards and letterhead are available for purchase via an approved vendor.

Is there a central process at the Medical School to order new business cards, lab coats, etc.?

The McGovern Medical School will follow the established processes for ordering business cards and letterhead.

Will the departments have to cover the costs of the new materials?

Yes.

Will we get new badges?

No, but future badges will include MMS to reflect McGovern Medical School.

What about the IMM and CLI? How do we refer to those institutes, and do they get new logos?

As institutes of the McGovern Medical School, they should reflect that, using the new McGovern Medical School logo where appropriate.

Will campus signage change?

Signage will reflect the new name.

How will this impact our students?

The gift provides the first full-ride scholarship for our students. In addition, it strengthens the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics, which will be an important focus for our students and our broader community, which will benefit from an Olserian philosophy.

Will new programs be a part of the change?

The full-ride scholarships are the primary addition as the result of the gift, and more programs may be developed within the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics in future years.

Will the campus email or websites change?

No. The name will be updated throughout the website – both written and logo. Email signatures may be updated in text by adding “McGovern” in front of Medical School and can be downloaded here (external link).

What else will change?

All uses of the logo and signage will eventually transition to the new versions.

What name will be on diplomas?

John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School and the seal of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Does the official seal change?

The Medical School will use The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston seal.

Do we have a new acronym?

The building codes will not change, but the acronym will be MMS instead of MS.

Is McGovern Medical School still a part of UTHealth Houston?

Yes!