Dr. Robert A. Rodriguez is the inaugural Director of Business Operations for the Global Health Coordinating Center (GHCC), where he oversees the operational, financial, and administrative functions that support UTMB’s global health programs. He advances global health initiatives by leading strategic planning efforts to ensure the successful implementation, sustainability, and institutional compliance of global health research, education, and training activities across the UTMB institution.
A proud alumnus of the UTMB School of Public and Population Health, Dr. Rodriguez earned his doctorate in Population Health Science and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology, following his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Drawing from his experience as the Program Manager for the Department of Global Health, Dr. Rodriguez has supported UTMB schools’ global health initiatives by strengthening program development frameworks, fostering interprofessional collaborations, and advancing partnerships with global institutions, contributing to transformative UTMB Global Health research, education, and training programs. His travels to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa have reinforced UTMB’s legacy in global health partnerships with institutions in Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Kenya, while supporting academic, research, and health professional-focused practice initiatives.
Dr. Rodriguez brings extensive professional experience in healthcare administration, performance improvement, safety/risk management, compliance, and clinical research at Shriners Children’s Texas. There, he contributed to life-saving medical efforts, supporting pediatric burn survivors from Latin America and around the world. With bilingual proficiency in Spanish, he has worked closely with patients and families, building meaningful connections and ensuring culturally responsive care tailored to their unique needs. A dedicated member of the UTMB community since 2013, Dr. Rodriguez has lead initiatives that bridge healthcare delivery and community engagement, addressing the needs of diverse, marginalized, and underserved populations. As an executive board director for Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT), he champions HIV prevention and education initiatives, improving health outcomes for individuals at risk for HIV and those living with HIV in Galveston County.
Beyond his professional work, Dr. Rodriguez is an avid adventurer with a passion for ancient history, mythology, and exploring new cultures. With a love for travel, he enjoys discovering new destinations, immersing himself in local traditions, and experiencing the richness of diverse cultures. Whether hiking through national parks, exploring ancient ruins, ice climbing, rock climbing, kayaking, or kickboxing, he lives by the motto, "I only play for sport." Dr. Rodriguez also appreciates life’s simple pleasures, such as savoring a perfectly brewed espresso and indulging in dark chocolate, while embracing opportunities to connect with the world in meaningful ways. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to transforming lives through evidence-based practice, meaningful collaborations, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence in global public health.