50 Years of Behavioral and Brain Science at UTD
Dean’s Message
Dear faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at UT Dallas,
This year marks a significant milestone for our school—our 50th anniversary.
Since its founding as the former UTD School of Human Development, BBS has grown into a dynamic community of scholars, clinicians, educators, and students. It’s been, and continues to be, a place of inquiry, innovation, and impact. It is an honor to serve as dean during this historic moment.
Our faculty are dedicated to improving the world around us. Our work spans disciplines, from psychology and child development to neuroscience, speech-language pathology, and cognitive science. Whether in the lab, in a clinic, or in the classroom, we have achieved 50 years of impact in our local community and beyond through science, education, and innovation. On all fronts, we remain committed to understanding and improving health and wellbeing the world over.
In this milestone year, we celebrate not only our accomplishments but also the people who make them possible. Whether you are new to BBS or have been with us since the beginning, we are thankful that you’ve contributed to our success over the past fifty years and continue to partner with us so that we can shape the future of behavioral and brain sciences together.
It is a privilege to be a part of this next BBS chapter and to serve and support those that built this incredible institution over the last 50 years. BBS and its journey of impact throgh science, clinical practice, and education are just getting started. We look forward to achieving new heights together in the years to come.
Thank you all for being part of our journey.
Whoosh,
Adam J. Woods
Dean, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Aage and Margareta Møller Distinguished Professor
BBS Timeline
Since its early days in 1961, The University of Texas at Dallas has grown into a nationally recognized leader in research and education. Over the past five decades, the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences has played a central role in shaping both the University’s identity and its own. This timeline highlights the school’s milestones—alongside major moments in UT Dallas history—showcasing the discoveries, programs, and people who define us.
From its foundation years to its most recent achievements, the story reflects an enduring commitment to advancing knowledge of the mind, brain, and human behavior.
1961
The Seeds of UTD
Eugene McDermott, J. Erik Jonsson and Cecil Green – three of Texas Instruments’ founders – observe promising young Texans leaving the state to pursue education while their company imports out-of-state talent to work at their Dallas-based headquarters. Hoping to create better higher-education opportunities in North Texas, the trio establishes the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest (GRCSW) — the foundation for what will become The University of Texas at Dallas.
1963
Callier Center Takes Root
Through the generosity of Lena E. Callier, the Callier Hearing and Speech Center opens as a community-based nonprofit housed at Parkland Hospital.
1969
From Southwest Center to UTD
The 61st Texas Legislative Session passes HB 303, establishing a “state-supported institution of higher education to be known as The University of Texas at Dallas. Gov. Preston Smith signs the bill, making UTD an official member of The University of Texas System effective September 1969.
1969
Dr. Stillman Joins Callier
Dr. Robert Stillman, professor of speech, hearing and language science and current BBS associate dean of graduate education, joins the Callier Center for Communication Disorders in 1969 as postdoctoral fellow.
1973
First Graduation Ceremony
UTD holds its inaugural graduation ceremony. Among the recipients were (from left) Wang-Kong Lam in physics, Susan Seabury Mahlum in biology and Ronald Allan Hawkins in physics.
1975
UTD Launches New Schools
UT Dallas establishes the schools of Arts and Humanities, General Studies, Human Development, Management, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences.
1975
Callier Center Becomes Part of the University
The Callier Center for Communication Disorders joins UT Dallas. The Callier Center provides innovative evaluations and treatments for people with speech, language and hearing disorders.
1978
Dr. Coleman Joins the School of Human Development
Dr. J. Michael Coleman joins the faculty as an assistant professor in the UT Dallas School of Human Development (now BBS). Dr. Coleman was later named UT Dallas associate provost and dean of undergraduate education.
1979
‘Dean of Deans’ Arrives on Campus
Dr. Bert Moore joins UT Dallas as program head of psychology. He led BBS as dean for 26 years. During his work at UT Dallas, Moore would serve as a professor of clinical psychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and on review panels for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
1986
Dr. Spence Publishes Revolutionary Study
As part of her doctoral dissertation at the UNC – Greensboro, Dr. Melanie Spence with Dr. Anthony Casper conducts the “Cat in the Hat” study that shows that infants can hear, learn and form memories before birth. Dr. Spence serves BBS as associate dean of undergraduate education and is a renowned expert for of her sustained outstanding contributions to the advancement of psychological sciences.
1986
Cognitive Neuroscientist Sandi Chapman earns PhD at UTD
Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman earns her PhD at UT Dallas.
1989
Three-time UTD Alumna Dr. Shoup Earns in Speech Pathology and Audiology BS
Dr. Angela Shoup graduates with her BS from the UT Dallas School of Human Development. She later earns her MS and PhD from UTD and is named Director of the Callier Center for Communication Disorders.
1989
Cognitive Neuroscientist Dr. Bartlett Joins the University
Dr. James C. Bartlett joins the UTD School of Human Development (now BBS) as associate dean through 1992. He later served as dean of graduate studies and research from 1992 to 1994, and as the school’s interim dean from 2015 to 2018, providing crucial leadership after the death of Dean Bert Moore.
1997
IONM Innovator Dr. Møller Welcomed to UTD Faculty
Dr. Aage Møller joins the Behavioral and Brain Sciences faculty. His research pivoted to neurophysiologic abnormalities in individuals with autism. He developed teaching programs in the biology of pain, sensory systems and neuroplasticity, and he established one of the first university programs to teach IONM to graduate students.
1999
Center for BrainHealth Launches
UT Dallas alumna Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman establishes the Center for BrainHealth.
2003
School of Human Development Gets New Name
The School of Human Development changes its name to the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
2009
Dr. Owen Launches Center for Children and Families
The Center for Children and Families is established with Dr. Margaret Owen as its founding director. Dr. Owen later served twice as interim dean of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
2010
Dr. Park Opens the Center for Vital Longevity
The Center for Vital Longevity is established by Dr. Denise Park, professor of psychology and the Distinguished University Chair in Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
2016
UTD Reaches Tier 1 Status
UT Dallas earns “R-1: Doctoral Universities-Highest Research Activity” status under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Also known as “tier one,” the R-1 Carnegie Classification is based on research and development expenditures in both science and engineering and in non-science and engineering fields; science and engineering research staff; and doctoral conferrals in humanities and social sciences fields, in STEM fields, and in other areas.
2019
The Center for Advanced Pain Studies Launches
Six UT Dallas faculty establish the Center for Advanced Pain Studies.
2019
Dr. Small Appointed BBS Dean
Neuroscience professor Dr. Steven L. Small joins The University of Texas at Dallas as BBS dean. He would serve as dean through 2023.
2024
Clinical and Translational Research Center Established
The Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC), led by Dr. Colleen Le Prell and Dr. Jane Wigginton, opens.
2024
Dr. Woods Appointed BBS Dean
Dr. Adam J. Woods, a leader in neuromodulation who is focused on finding noninvasive methods for remediating age-related decline in thinking and memory, joins UT Dallas as BBS dean.
2025
BBS Ranks #1 in Texas, #3 Nationally for NIH Funding
The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences achieved a historic milestone, earning the #1 ranking in Texas and #3 in the U.S. in the 2024 Blue Ridge Rankings for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among schools of allied health professions.
The Blue Ridge Rankings, widely regarded as one of the most respected indicators of research competitiveness, are based on the amount of NIH research funding awarded to U.S. institutions.
