At that time there were 13 pre-doctoral (Ph.D.) students studying with scientists at MD Anderson enrolled through The University of Texas at Austin.
[8] At a meeting of the Texas Commission of Higher Education on October 14, 1963, approval was given for Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in: "Biology including, but not restricted to, areas of emphasis in radiobiology, biomathematics, genetics, cytology, fine structure-electron microscope-analysis, molecular biology, with biochemistry and biophysics, microbiology and virology.
[11] The GSBS has over 600 of some of the world's best research faculty who are drawn from UTHealth Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Both of GSBS' parent organizations, MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth received unconditional recommendations for accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
In the following year, George M. Stancel, Ph.D., Dean, was appointed to the position of executive vice president for academic affairs and research for UTHealth, and a decanal search was begun.
By 2012, after a year's national search and deliberation by UTHealth and MD Anderson Cancer Center, a dual deanship to provide overarching leadership and guidance was created for GSBS.
The new deans are Michelle Barton, PhD, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Michael Blackburn, PhD, professor and vice chair in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UTHealth Medical School.
The name celebrates the partnership of its two institutions and its shared commitment to the school's talented, innovative and passionate students and faculty.