The significant health care needs along the Texas-Mexico border coupled with a severe shortage of pharmacists were the primary driving forces for the development of the Cooperative Pharmacy Programs at UT El Paso and UT-Pan American. In each region, the number of pharmacists per 100,000 people is approximately 60% of the state average and the disparity is likely to increase due to the rapidly expanding population. In addition, there was strong community support and a desire on the part of the University of Texas System components to establish partnerships that would provide outstanding educational opportunities in a cost-effective manner.

The Cooperative Pharmacy Program with UT El Paso was conceptualized in 1994-95 and funded by the state legislature in 1996. The Cooperative Pharmacy Program with UT-Pan American was modeled after the one in El Paso and was funded by the state legislature in spring 2000. In each case, funding is provided to the component institution to support faculty, staff and operations. An Assistant Dean serves as the program director at each campus and all faculty members are cross-appointed in the College of Pharmacy.