Institutional Advancement Office Adds New AVP of Fundraising

Betsy C. Frantz

A Houstonian with a long history of work for The University of Texas and its affiliates, Betsy C. Frantz, was recently named assistant vice president of fundraising and advancement programs for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Office of Institutional Advancement.

Frantz, who started her new job Feb. 12, will have responsibility for the school-based development officers and oversee fundraising programs within the central office of advancement.

"We are thrilled to have Betsy Frantz rejoin our Health Science Center in Houston in the role she will play. She is passionate about Texas and about educational and research excellence. Betsy is absolutely committed to developing the resources that will allow our education, research and service programs to reach the highest levels possible. I am very pleased that she is coming home," said James T. Willerson, M.D., president, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Frantz is a UT Austin graduate and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the UT School of Public Health. She worked at the health science center from 1972-92, first at the School of Public Health and later in the Development Office. Most recently, Frantz was executive director of principal gifts for UT Austin within the Houston region.

"Betsy Frantz is an exemplary fundraiser and an outstanding professional," said C. Gwin Morris, Ph.D., interim vice president for institutional advancement. "UT Health Science Center is fortunate to have someone of her caliber as a member of our advancement staff. We are looking forward to the significant achievements she will bring to pass."

She also worked for UT Austin and its $1.6 billion "We're Texas" campaign as the major gifts officer-inresidence for Houston. She subsequently served as director of development for the George R. Brown School of Engineering and the Weiss School of Natural Sciences at Rice University, and returned to UT Austin in 2004.

Frantz said she is pleased to return to the health science center. "I am honored to be part of this great institution once again," she said.

"Graduate and professional education in the health sciences is a powerful element in our nation's economy, culture and status around the world. The Texas Medical Center and our own health science center exemplify, to the world, the combined impact of science, ambition, dedication and philanthropy in realizing the grand potential of healthier lifetimes and communities," Frantz added.

A fourth-generation Texan, Frantz was the first female president of the Houston chapter of The Texas Exes, the largest and most active UT alumni chapter in the nation.

"Houston is a place that encourages her people to imagine, step forward and make things happen. The culture of philanthropy is imprinted everywhere, especially in the city's great health and medical institutions," she said.

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