2020-2021 Distinguished Alumni

Rick

Merrill

Rick Merrill is a 1982 graduate, earning his bachelor's degree in biology. He went on to complete a Master of Science degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.

Today, Merrill is the president and CEO of Cook Children's Health Care System in Dallas/Fort Worth – a role he has held since accepting the appointment in 2007. Under his watch, Cook Children's Medical Center has nearly doubled the size of its campus to meet evolving needs for its cutting-edge services. He also has ushered in a new era of health care by streamlining the organization's mission and vision into a “promise to improve the health of every child in the region through the prevention and treatment of illness, disease and injury.” This promise has bolstered Cook Children's reputation as a national health care leader and one of the top companies to work for.

His nearly 30-year career has spanned leadership roles in academic and university-based health care systems across the state of Texas. He is actively serving on numerous national, state and community advisory boards including Children's Hospital Association, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and, most recently, as chair of the Children's Hospital Association of Texas.

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