THECB committee approves new doctoral programs, rule repeals and UT Tyler PharmD funding-model change

The Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Committee on Academic and Workforce Success met Jan. 20 and approved requests from institutions to change program funding and to establish new doctoral programs, along with several proposed rule repeals and a targeted rule amendment. Committee members recorded no public testimony and no recorded opposition to the motions.

Elizabeth Mayer, THECB assistant commissioner for academic and health affairs, told the committee that the University of Texas at Tylersought a change to the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree program funding model after the Texas Legislature approved House Bill 1794, which repealed Texas Education Code section 76.026(c) and removed the restriction that had prevented UT TylerFisch College of Pharmacy from receiving formula funding. "This was actually approved by the legislature during the ... regular session, and passed as House Bill 1794," Mayer said. The institution submitted a required substantial-change request to move the PharmD from a self-supporting model to formula funding; with the change the program will be formula funded…