After an extensive nationwide search, Michael Hocker, MD, MHS, a highly accomplished academic physician, innovative educator and mentor, and inspirational servant leader, has been named the new executive dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He will begin his tenure in July 2025.

Hocker currently serves as the dean and chief academic officer for the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine, and as the senior vice president for the UT Health RGV clinical practice, where he has had a transformative impact.

Hocker led the new college through full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) of its medical education programs, positioning the college to expand its student body to better serve the region through planned combined programs,  including an MD/PhD program to train physician-scientists, as well as an MD/MBA program to equip physicians with the business skills necessary in today’s health care climate.