Eight UTA graduates named Fort Worth's Healthcare Heroes
The 2018 Fort Worth Business Press Healthcare Hero Awards recognized eight alumni from The University of Texas at Arlington for their significant contributions to the healthcare industry in Tarrant County.
Lillie Biggins received the 2018 Achievement Award.
In January, Biggins retired as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Biggins spent 45 years in healthcare. She earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from UTA.
Robert Earley, president of the JPS Health Network, was given the Service Animal Award for his work with Clydesdale service horses. Earley earned a master of science in healthcare administration from UTA.
Other UTA alumni who received awards were:
- Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and Fort Worth School Board Member Tobi Jackson for their work on Asthma 411, a school-based program to improve the health of students with asthma. Whitley earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UTA. Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a graduate certificate in health from UTA
- James Petrovich, who earned a doctorate in social work from UTA, and is now a faculty associate at Texas Christian University’s Department of Social Work.
- Ethel Tate, a registered nurse at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. Tate earned a bachelor of science in nursing from UTA.
- Danella Thompson, a registered nurse at Medical City Fort Worth and earned a bachelor of science in nursing from UTA.
- Dr. Ignacio Nuñez, an OB/GYN at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital since 1983 and a partner with Family Healthcare Associates. Nuñez earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Of the role UTA played in his career, Nuñez said, “The value of a degree from The University of Texas at Arlington is immeasurable. We have become without equivocation one of the best universities in the United States. I am one of UTA’s biggest cheerleaders because without the education I received there, I wouldn’t be where I am today. UTA’s role is to make dreams possible. If we can dream it, our University can make it happen.”