Margaret Ann “Peggy” Mauk Barnett, community leader and longtime supporter of UTHealth Houston, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Her decades of leadership, generosity, and advocacy helped shape nursing education and research at the university, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and innovation.

A former elementary school teacher who earned her undergraduate degree from Rice University, Peggy brought her passion for education and service to Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, where she helped launch PARTNERS (Providing Advancement Resources to Nursing Education, Research, and Students) in 1994. As founding chair, Peggy worked closely with then Dean Patricia L. Starck, PhD, RN—later named Dean Emerita—to rally community support for the school and lay the foundation for what would become one of the university’s most impactful philanthropic initiatives.

Since its inception, PARTNERS has raised more than $16 million to enable over 230 student scholarships, 65 faculty research grants, and four endowed professorships at Cizik School of Nursing. In 2009, the Margaret A. Barnett/PARTNERS Professorship in Nursing was established in Peggy’s honor, recognizing her commitment to advancing this critical field. She was also named Chair Emeritus of PARTNERS.

“Peggy Barnett’s legacy lives on in every nurse, scholar, and patient whose life has been touched by the work she championed,” said Diane M. Santa Maria, DrPH, MSN, RN, Dean of Cizik School of Nursing. “Her impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Before founding PARTNERS, Peggy joined the UTHealth Houston Development Board in 1991 and later served as its Chair and Life Director. As a loyal donor to the university for 35 years, her generosity helped launch and sustain initiatives that continue to strengthen the nursing school’s national reputation and amplify the work of students and faculty.

Peggy was also active at her alma mater, volunteering with Rice University’s Friends of Fondren Library and Shepherd School of Music. In addition, she dedicated time to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where she supported the Hope and Healing Center, served on the Altar Guild, and taught Sunday School alongside her husband, Bill Barnett, for many years.

Beyond her leadership in health and education, Peggy was deeply devoted to her family. She and Bill—her husband of nearly 70 years—shared a remarkable partnership built on love and mutual respect. Together, they raised two children, Ann and Ned, and played an active role in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Peggy, a Houston native, will be remembered for her vision and dedication to building a healthier, more hopeful future. From expanding educational opportunities to advancing nursing science, her contributions reflect her lifelong commitment to helping others thrive. To honor her legacy, Peggy's family invites memorial contributions to PARTNERS or UTHealth Houston.