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TXHES Announces Annual Award Recipients at the 2026 TAAHP Conference
The 2026 Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (TAAHP) Conference,
hosted in Houston by the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of
Medicine, brought together advisors, institutional leaders, and partners from across
Texas to strengthen collaboration around the state’s healthcare workforce. During
the conference, the Texas Health Education Service (TXHES) recognized three leaders
whose work continues to expand access to health professions education and support
the next generation of Texas healthcare professionals.
Celebrating Excellence: TXHES Annual Awards Presentation
TXHES Executive Director Dr. Matthew Meeks presented the awards, honoring individuals whose leadership advances policy, supports students, and strengthens engagement across the statewide advising community.
“Expanding opportunity in the health professions requires leaders who are willing to collaborate, mentor, and build systems that support students,” said Dr. Meeks. “These award recipients embody that commitment and represent the best of our statewide community.”
- Advancing Policy Award: Dr. Mike Kennedy
Assistant Dean for Admissions, UNT Health Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Mike Kennedy was honored for his decades of leadership shaping policies that support access and workforce development in Texas. Through longstanding engagement with the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), Dr. Kennedy has helped shape both the program’s evolution and broader policy conversations across the state.
His work reflects a thoughtful balance of research and practical insight, along with
a clear understanding of how policy can either create barriers or open pathways for
students. A respected scholar and policymaker, his guidance and long-standing commitment
have helped strengthen programs, inform decision-making, and ensure that efforts to
expand opportunity remain grounded in both evidence and mission.
(Dr. Kennedy was unable to attend the ceremony due to travel commitments and will
receive the award at a later date.)
- Outreach and Engagement Award: Lesley Riley
Director of Health Professions Office, University of Texas at Austin
Lesley Riley was recognized for her leadership in outreach efforts that connect aspiring physicians with the guidance, encouragement, and resources needed to navigate their educational journeys. Going beyond simply providing information, she builds meaningful connections with students and helps them envision futures in the health professions.
Through sustained engagement with students and advisors, her work has helped thousands
of students see themselves in careers they may not have previously imagined.
The evening’s final recognition highlighted a leader whose personal journey into medicine
reflects the very pathways he now works to expand for future physicians across Texas.
Award recipient Dr. Morales with TXHES Executive Director Dr. Matthew Meeks
- TXHES Expanding Access Award (Fourth Annual): Dr. Felix Morales
Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Dr. Felix Morales was honored for his outstanding commitment to expanding access to medical education while preparing future physicians to serve Texas communities with compassion and purpose.
Dr. Meeks recognized Dr. Morales for helping shape the physician workforce through mentorship, service, and expanded opportunity. A tenured professor in Family and Community Medicine, he has received the President’s Teaching Award and the John Aure Buessler Clinical Faculty Teaching Award for excellence in education. Dr. Morales also previously served as chair of the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) Council, contributing to statewide leadership supporting pathways into medical education.
Growing up in Fort Stockton, Texas, Dr. Morales worked in agricultural fields as a
teenager to help support his family after his father suffered a stroke — an experience
that instilled a powerful work ethic and commitment to serving others. Today, his
work spans admissions leadership, medical education, and initiatives such as the TTU
Family Medicine Accelerate Track, along with outreach and clinical care supporting
underserved populations across Texas.
Strengthening the Texas Health Professions Pipeline
The TAAHP Conference continues to serve as a central gathering point for the statewide advising community, bringing together institutions and partners committed to expanding access to health professions education. The work of this year’s award recipients reflects a shared commitment across the advising community — building pathways, removing barriers, and helping students achieve their goals of serving others through the health professions.
Inside Health Education
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