CCEC Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C.: National Conversations and UT Impact
The Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee (CCEC) gathered in Washington, D.C., for its Fall Meeting, providing a platform to tackle pressing issues in higher education and government while showcasing the University of Texas (UT) System’s global impact. Against the backdrop of the nation’s capital — and some spectacular sunsets behind the dome — the two-day event offered attendees thought-provoking discussions, intimate dinners at historic sites and the chance to witness first-hand the impact of UT institutions.
The meeting kicked off on Friday afternoon with two sessions focused on critical societal issues: national security and health.
The first session, focusing on cybersecurity, featured insights from leaders in both federal government and academia, including UTEP President Heather Wilson, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence Beth Sanner, and retired Vice Admiral Joe Maguire, who now leads UT Austin’s Clements Center for National Security. Their frontline experiences in federal government and academia made for a frank, beyond-the-headlines conversation about the modern threats to everyday life and the stability of nations.
The second session explored advances in cancer research, with FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and Dr. Peter Pisters, President of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighting MD Anderson’s pioneering work. The audience learned that in 2023 alone, the center contributed to the development of 60% of cancer drugs approved by the FDA. Califf and Pisters outlined the rigorous path from laboratory research to life-saving treatments, providing attendees with hope and a deep sense of gratitude for the ongoing advancements in cancer care.
That evening, the CCEC enjoyed dinner at the National Portrait Gallery, a fitting venue steeped in American history. The gallery, which houses portraits of key figures from U.S. history, from scientists and U.S. presidents to sports champions and activists, served as the perfect setting for a memorable meal. The Executive Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, welcomed the group with an engaging talk about the historic significance of the space — which served as the site of President Lincoln’s second inaugural ball — further enriching the evening’s experience.
Saturday morning’s program brought the UT System’s presence in Washington, D.C., into focus through a discussion with alumni of the UT Archer Center Fellowship program. A highlight of the weekend, this panel featured alumni representing various UT institutions, who spoke passionately about how the unique and intensive fellowship program shaped their careers and expanded their perspectives. A particularly moving moment came when co-founder and namesake of the program, former Texas Congressman Bill Archer, was honored with a standing ovation.
During Saturday evening’s event at the Library of Congress, members were treated to an outstanding presentation by UT’s renowned historian, Pulitzer Prize finalist and best-selling author H.W. Brands. Brands told captivating stories of key national figures, bringing history to life under the soaring ceilings of this iconic venue. Discussing his recent books, Founding Partisans and America First, Brands drew compelling parallels to our present political moment and explored how the leaders of earlier times confronted division, tumultuous foreign policy issues and social change.
The weekend was also a chance to welcome 25 new members into the CCEC, hailing from nine UT institutions and 17 universities outside the UT System. This broad representation underscored the commitment of the group to public higher education in Texas. The business meeting included discussions on record research funding, enrollment updates, and a look ahead at the legislative session starting in January 2025.
The next gathering for the CCEC will take place in Galveston on February 7-8, 2025, at the UT Medical Branch (UTMB). The historic island city is home to Texas’s first medical school and the Galveston National Lab, one of the world’s most important high-security research facilities. With its picturesque setting and the vital role UTMB plays in Texas and beyond, the event promises to be another enriching experience.
Recap of the CCEC Winter Meeting in El Paso
Since President Heather Wilson arrived at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2019, the university has experienced a remarkable surge forward. Already classified as Carnegie R1, UTEP's research funding hit a record high of $139.6 million in fiscal year 2023, and its emphasis on student access and success helped the university earn the top spot for social mobility among Texas universities in The Wall Street Journal’s annual college rankings.
More than 200 CCEC members gained behind-the-scenes access to UTEP's success story on the border. President Wilson, UTEP faculty and local business and education leaders led captivating sessions delving into the university’s research advancements in fields such as cross-border trade and commerce, aerospace engineering, advanced 3D manufacturing and addressing Hispanic health disparities.
The event showcased UTEP's nationally recognized initiatives for student success, including a powerful session in which five exceptional students shared their transformative experiences on campus, sparking an interactive Q&A exchange with members. Wilson also paid homage to the university’s rich history with a tribute to the Miners’ historic 1966 NCAA men’s basketball championship, a seminal moment in the desegregation of collegiate athletics in the South.
Members also experienced El Paso’s unique local culture with a guided tour of UTEP's beautiful Bhutanese-style campus architecture and a dinner discussion between Chancellor Milliken and Nevena Christi, a world-renowned bootmaker, highlighting El Paso's legacy as the boot capital of the world.
