Announcing the Retirement of JAMP Director, Paul Hermesmeyer
Dear colleagues,
After more than thirty-nine years of service to the state of Texas, twenty-eight of
which were with UT institutions, Paul Hermesmeyer will retire in January 2022.
Paul has worked in student recruitment and admissions since 1982 beginning at Tarleton
State University and later the University of North Texas. In 2001, the Joint Admission
Medical Program (JAMP) was established and Paul joined the University of Texas System
as the program’s first administrator. He recruited the first undergraduate class of
students into JAMP in 2003, later matriculating the class into medical schools in
2006. During his twenty-year tenure, Paul orchestrated joint efforts between the participating
Texas medical schools and sixty-eight Texas undergraduate universities to encourage
students aspiring to become physicians through mentoring initiatives, summer enrichment
programs, medical clinical preceptorships, scholarships, and ultimately a guaranteed
acceptance to one of the participating medical schools in the program. Paul’s stewardship
of JAMP has successfully matriculated over 1,200 students into medical school, with
643 physicians currently in practice and 583 currently in training.
Those of us who know Paul are most impressed with his heart for service and his investment
in the next generation of leaders. For decades, Paul has been involved in community
outreach initiatives, including service on the Board of Directors of Rodeo Austin,
where he raised funds for scholarships and promoted leadership development opportunities
for young adults. His service-oriented character and dedication were demonstrated
daily through his work with JAMP. Through his collaboration and leadership with the
JAMP Council, JAMP has continued to reach and empower disadvantaged students to achieve
their dreams of obtaining a medical education, many of whom have returned to underserved
areas throughout the state of Texas, and making lasting and significant impact in
their communities.
On behalf of TXHES and the JAMP Council, I want to thank Paul for his valued contributions
over the years. We are all proud of Paul and thankful for his service to JAMP and
the state of Texas. Knowing Paul, his passion for service will continue to benefit
all whose paths he crosses.
We will be hosting a retirement ceremony honoring Paul in the near future following
health guidance from UT System for in-person events.
Thank you for your service, Paul Hermesmeyer.
We hope to see you all soon at the reception!
Matthew C. Meeks, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Texas Health Education Service
About the author: The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a special program created by the Texas Legislature to support and encourage highly qualified, economically disadvantaged Texas resident students pursuing a medical education.