ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ and Methodist Healthcare Ministries Announce New Partnership

February 3, 2025

Agreement Clears a Path to Higher Education for Thousands

SAN ANTONIO – February 3, 2025 – The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ (ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ) and Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help MHM employees, and their dependents advance their higher education dreams through ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ. Specifically, the agreement, which was formally signed during a ceremony on Monday, January 27, 2025, will allow for MHM employees and their families to pursue, advance, or refine work skills through an array of programs offered through the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ School of Professional Studies (ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµSPS) at reduced tuition rates.

“With this agreement, we form a partnership between two transformative institutions that share many values,” said Dr. Thomas M. Evans, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ president. “Both the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ and Methodist Healthcare Ministries are drivers of change in our communities. We share a vision to contribute to creating a better, healthier world as part of our commitment to serve one another and to serve God. That commitment includes serving those whose hard work brings that vision to life. We are delighted to open doors of opportunity for MHM employees and their dependents and welcome them to our ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ family.”

Photo Caption (L-R):  Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Dr. Thomas M. Evans, President of the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ

Photo Caption (L-R):  Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Dr. Thomas M. Evans, President of the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ have a long-standing partnership rooted in our shared values of service, compassion, and community impact,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Through our partnership, we are empowering our team members with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals – whether it’s earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree – and achieve new levels of personal and professional growth.”

Since its founding in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ has been an institution steeped in the tradition of healing. In keeping with its Mission, the University consistently conducts missions and operates clinics in areas of South Texas without adequate access to health care. In San Antonio alone, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ encompasses five health professions schools and has become a leader in educating the healthcare heroes of tomorrow in the areas of Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Physical and Rehabilitative Therapy, Optometry and Pharmacy.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries is a private, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed.

“This partnership unites two mission-driven institutions dedicated to transforming lives through education and service,” says Dr. Leah Alviar, Interim Associate Dean of the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ School of Professional Studies. “ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ deeply values the essential role Methodist Healthcare Ministries plays in building healthier communities, and we are dedicated to broadening access to quality education to help further their impact. We are proud to support MHM employees and their families in pursuing their academic and career aspirations and warmly welcome them to ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ.”

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ School of Professional Studies is an academic school within ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ that offers certificates, associates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees 100% online. Benefits for students include free undergraduate textbooks, no academic fees, accelerated courses and reduced tuition rates. ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµSPS also offers personal development and continuing education opportunities through the office of Professional and Continuing Education.

Media Contact

Michael Valdes, Media and Public Relations Manager, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Office of Communications & Brand Marketing, (210) 829-6001, (210) 422-4052 or michael.valdes@uiwtx.edu

Teno Villarreal, Public Relations Specialist, Methodist Healthcare Ministries. (210) 787-6757, Email: avillarreal1@mhm.org