Naresh K. Vashisht '72

Message from Dean Waer

November 7, 2024

At the beginning of the year, in our state-of-the-school address, I introduced our theme for 2024: "Unapologetically Positive." Like each of you, I am inspired by the strides our College has made and by the profound impact of the work we do every day. What we stand for—bringing healthcare to those with limited access, shaping compassionate Aggie physicians, and pioneering scientific discoveries—is, at its core, unapologetically positive.

This year, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Naresh K. Vashisht, Aggie class of '72, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who embodies this vision of positivity. He shares my commitment to healthcare for rural Texas, minimizing the debt burden for our medical students, and positioning the Texas A&M College of Medicine as a leader in innovation.

Mr. Vashisht's journey is a testament to resilience and visionary leadership. Growing up in India, he faced immense challenges, including the untimely loss of his father, which left his family in difficult circumstances. A competitive pre-engineering exam paved the way to the Indian School of Mines, now the Indian Institute of Technology, where he earned his bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. Pursuing his dreams further, he came to the United States and ultimately to Texas A&M University, where he obtained his master's degree in petroleum engineering. He also later earned an MBA in finance from Eastern New Mexico State University.

Mr. Vashisht's professional journey reflects a lifetime of expertise and bold decisions. He began his career with major and independent oil companies, holding various engineering and management roles that allowed him to gain invaluable experience across the energy and fertilizer industries. Building on this foundation, he established Omimex Resources, Inc., which swiftly grew into an influential force, drilling and operating oil and gas wells across the US, Canada, Colombia, and South America. With an eye for opportunity, Mr. Vashisht strategically expanded into the fertilizer industry, establishing successful operations in Colombia and extending to seven countries in South America.

As his business efforts flourished, Mr. Vashisht began investing in philanthropic endeavors. Focusing on education, health care, and underserved populations, he has provided philanthropic assistance to renovate his high school in India and create a Pre-K Center of Excellence in Colombia. He has also supported the Cook Children's Medical Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. He has created numerous scholarships and faculty positions focused on health care, including establishing an endowed professorship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. He also established two centers in his alma mater in India, one for Innovations and the other for research in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. His aim is to give back to every institution that has positively touched his life.

As a first-generation college student myself, I immediately appreciated Mr. Vashisht's work ethic, grit, and understanding of the transformative power of education. His dedication to innovation and healthcare for those who need it most makes him a natural match for our College's mission and nearly half-century of work.

I am humbled by the generosity of this phenomenal Aggie entrepreneur, and it is my honor to announce that Mr. Vashisht has given our College of Medicine the largest endowment in the history of our college and one of the most significant at Texas A&M. In recognition of this gift, and with the recommendation of President Welsh, the Texas A&M University Board of Regents unanimously voted today to establish the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine.  Official Press Release

The gift will create four endowments supporting full-tuition scholarships for medical students, our pioneering rural medicine program, an innovation and discovery endowment for research and emerging technologies, and a Dean's excellence fund.

Mr. Vashisht's story embodies resilience, dedication, and an unapologetically positive impact—qualities that align profoundly with our values at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. As we enter November, a month traditionally devoted to gratitude, I am deeply thankful for the legacy he is building and the lives these endowments will touch and transform.

There are many more celebrations and details to come, but for now, join me in gratitude for the vision and generosity of Mr. Naresh K. Vashisht, Aggie class of ’72.

Amy L. Waer, MD, FACS, MPSA, '23
Jean and Tom McMullin Endowed Dean
Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine