Gold Nugget Award Winner 2025: Brandy L. Maddox

Gold Nugget Award Winner 2025: Brandy L. Maddox

As is tradition, The University of Texas at El Paso and the UTEP Alumni Association honor alumni whose vision drives them to trailblazing accomplishments in their careers. Their stories of empowerment, determination, resilience and ultimately success, inspire the UTEP community and reinforce the influence UTEP has on the professional world.

Remarkable graduates are recognized with the Gold Nugget Award by each college and school. This year, the recipient of this honor in the College of Health Sciences is Brandy L. Maddox (B.S. in Health Science, ‘03.)

Maddox is a health scientist focused on protecting public health. Maddox began her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a public health prevention specialist.

With over 18 years of experience in the federal government, Maddox rose to become the Lead Health Scientist in the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, leading a team in the Global Tobacco Control Branch. Her research, evaluation and management expertise have influenced initiatives in sexually transmitted disease prevention and tuberculosis control and support the CDC’s public health preparedness and emergency response efforts.

“UTEP allowed me to fully explore my interests, develop leadership skills and create connections that set an unshakeable foundation,” Maddox said. “I am proud of what UTEP has and continues to achieve.”

Maddox recently served as a member of the UTEP Alumni Association Board of Directors – as the Vice President of Philanthropic Outreach – and as a volunteer for various University efforts through the years.