Leadership & Org Chart

Dr. Jennifer Sharpe Potter is a nationally recognized expert in clinical psychology, human behavior, addiction science, and research leadership. A longstanding leader in research and behavioral health, Dr. Potter currently serves as the Senior Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio).

With more than 16 years of distinguished service at UT San Antonio Health Science Center, Dr. Potter brings a wealth of experience to her role at UT San Antonio, where she is committed to advancing high-impact research through enhanced support, infrastructure, and cross-campus collaboration.

Dr. Potter is a Multiple Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded Institute for Integration of Medicine and Science (IIMS), which houses UT San Antonio Health Science Center Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). She also leads the Peer Recovery Innovation Network (PRIN), funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), focused on expanding the science of recovery. Her earlier research played a central role in landmark clinical trials including COMBINE, Project LIGHT, and POATS, which have reshaped the landscape of evidence-based substance use disorder treatments.

As Founding Director of the Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders, Dr. Potter oversees a comprehensive statewide effort to increase access to affordable, evidence-based care for substance use and mental health. Through Be Well Texas, she leads initiatives such as the Be Well Provider Network (150+ partners), the Be Well Clinic (offering telehealth and in-person services), the Center for Substance Use Training and Telementoring, and the Texas Substance Use Symposium, the state’s largest substance use conference.

Before joining UT San Antonio Health Science Center, Dr. Potter was with Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, further establishing her career in behavioral health research and academic leadership.

Education

• PhD in Clinical Psychology - University of Georgia
• MPH in Behavioral Science -Rollins SPH, Emory University
• BA in Theater – Queen’s University, ON

Distinctions

• Founding Director, Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders
• Honoree, San Antonio Business Journal Women’s Leadership Awards 2023
• Multiple Principal Investigator, Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA), IIMS
• Co-Principal Investigator, Peer Recovery Innovation Network (PRIN)
• Founder, Texas Substance Use Symposium – the largest of its kind in the state

Research/Academic Interests

• Addiction science and recovery
• Clinical trials and behavioral health interventions
• Translational and implementation science
• Public health systems and healthcare equity
• Academic research infrastructure and leadership development

Dr. Potter is deeply committed to public service and views universities as vital platforms to address society’s most pressing challenges. She believes in building compassionate systems of care that bridge science and community needs. Outside of her professional work, she cherishes spending time with her family, has a great appreciation for the arts, and actively supports local artists, creators, and small businesses.