By ELAINA GONZALEZ/Staff Writer
In November 2021, the R.W. Fair Foundation pledged $4 million to cover tuition for the initial class of medical students. Now, a second anonymous donor has gifted an additional $4 million to the new school of medicine.
The gift, intended to fund scholarships and research initiatives, was met with gratitude from Dr. Brigham Willis, the recently appointed dean of the medical school.
“I am extremely pleased at the warm reception that my family and I have received since arriving in Tyler,” Dr. Willis said in a statement released by the university. He continued, “What is even more impressive is the overwhelming philanthropic support that we have received since the medical school was announced.”
These gifts, combined with other contributions from Texas institutions, are expected to positively impact the healthcare industry throughout all of Texas.
“Texans are beginning to realize the impact that the School of Medicine will have in the state, both from a health and economic perspective, and it’s exciting,” said Dr. Archie Tucker, the UT Tyler senior vice president for advancement.
UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun also expressed his appreciation for the impressive support of the medical school.
“We continue to be amazed by the support of those who generously desire to help us address the healthcare needs of East Texas and beyond,” he said.
The new UT Tyler School of Medicine hopes to begin operations in June 2023 with a class of 40 students.
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Editor’s Note: This story is part of Project UT Tyler 2050, a Patriot Talon initiative drawing attention to developments shaping the future of the university.
