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Under the leadership of President Kenira J. Thompson García, PhD, MBA, Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) continues to expand its impact both locally and internationally. At PHSU, the Office of the President is dedicated to advancing our mission of excellence in healthcare education, research, and community service. We strive to prepare our students to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and to make meaningful contributions to our communities.
Ponce Health Sciences University Leadership
Kenira J. Thompson García, PhD, MBA, appointed as President of PHSU in 2026, brings more than two decades of dedicated service to the institution. Since joining PHSU in 2005, she has held a number of leadership roles, most recently President of the Ponce Research Institute. Additionally, she holds the rank of professor in PHSU’s Departments of Basic Sciences, Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology. A respected scientist, educator, mentor, and leader, Dr. Thompson has played a key role in advancing PHSU’s research enterprise and strengthening its commitment to addressing health disparities. As President, she brings a deep understanding of PHSU’s mission, a strong connection to its community, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the university’s future.
At Ponce Health Sciences University, our purpose extends beyond educating the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists. We are committed to preparing ethical, compassionate and highly skilled leaders who are ready to respond to the evolving healthcare needs of the communities we serve.
Having grown professionally alongside PHSU for more than two decades, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact of our students, faculty, researchers and staff. As president, I am honored to build upon that legacy by advancing academic excellence, strengthening our research enterprise, expanding opportunities for our students and fostering collaboration across Puerto Rico and beyond.
Together, we will continue to pursue innovation with purpose, address health disparities and create solutions that improve health and quality of life. I am deeply committed to leading PHSU into its next chapter while remaining grounded in the mission, values and sense of community that have defined our institution for nearly five decades.
Kenira J. Thompson García, PhD, MBA,
President, Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce Health Sciences University Strategic Initiatives
Expansion of Academic Programs
PHSU is actively introducing new academic programs, including the establishment of a campus in St. Louis, Missouri and international location in Tortola, BVI to extend our health sciences educational reach and impact.
Research Advancement
PHSU is dedicated to enhancing its research capabilities to address critical health issues and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Community Engagement
PHSU is focused on strengthening partnerships with local and international communities to promote health equity and deliver essential healthcare services.
Mission
The mission of Ponce Health Sciences University is to provide a world-class, culturally-competent, health sciences education to the population we serve, through innovative adaptive learning environments focused on the success of its students to become ethical practitioners and scientists.