91²Ö¿â

School of Medicine Giving


Medical Students

Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign

Transforming Healthcare in East Texas

 

Dear Colleagues,

We are united by a mission: to improve the quality of life and health in East Texas. Each day, you advance that mission through contributing your time, talent and expertise. We are a school grounded in its values and a commitment to serving our community — because of you. 

As we continue to grow our School of Medicine — recruiting new faculty, adding new cohorts of students and expanding residency programs — we ask for your financial support through the Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign. It’s a powerful reflection of your belief in our mission — and a personal investment in the future we’re building together.

Every gift, no matter the amount, will create an impact in the area of your choosing. A gift of $1,000 with higher recognition at $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000 will support our mission and ensure your name is proudly displayed on the Faculty and Staff Wall of Honor in the sky bridge linking the Medical Education Building to the UTHET hospital. Flexible payment options, like payroll deduction or pledges up to five years, are available. Additionally, with your permission, we look forward to highlighting stories of giving on our School of Medicine Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign webpage.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, your belief in our purpose, and your role in transforming healthcare in East Texas.

Susan M. (Sue) Cox, MD
Dean, School of Medicine

Sue Cox Signature

Steven W. Cox, MD
Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs
Steven Cox Signature

Kate Starnes
Vice President, Health Operations
Kate Starnes Signature

 

Ways to Give

You can make a one-time gift or pledge an amount and pay a schedule up to five years.

Make an Online Gift

Make a via Docusign by signing in using your 91²Ö¿â credentials.

Steps:
1. On the Employee Payroll Deduction Form template page, select “Use†in the top right corner.
2. Search and select your name in the employee box. 
3. Click "Send" in the bottom right corner.
4. Select "Sign Now." An editable version of the form should automatically load.
5. Fill out the form. Refer to the example deduction form if needed.
6. Click "Finish."

Under the designations column, you may choose any of the following departments:

  • Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
  • Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
  • Dermatology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • Internal Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatrics
  • Preventative and Environmental Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Surgery
  • Women's Health

Submit a Payroll Deduction for School of Medicine Scholarship

If you'd like to make your gift by check, please mail it to:

91²Ö¿â, University Advancement
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799

Unless you indicate a specific purpose in your letter, your gift will be directed to the areas of greatest need at 91²Ö¿â's School of Medicine, helping us support the programs and initiatives that make the biggest impact. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.

We welcome all questions about endowed or planned giving, as well as any other ways you might consider supporting 91²Ö¿â. Please feel free to connect with us—our team is here to offer guidance and information, empowering you to make a gift that reflects your values and creates a lasting impact.

Jennifer "Paige" Stewart
Executive Director, Health Affairs
Email: jennifer.stewart@uttyler.edu or advancementservices@uttyler.edu
Phone: 832.425.7273

Frequently Asked Questions for Donors Giving to the 2026 SOM Faculty and Staff Campaign
 
1. How do I ensure my name is correct on the sign?
To ensure your name is listed and testimony is given as you prefer, please complete the following .  
 
2. What is the minimum giving level to be listed on the permanent sign in the MEB?
The minimum giving level for your name to appear on the permanent sign is $1,000.
 
3. What are the instructions to give via payroll deduction?
To give via payroll deduction, please follow the specific , or check with your department assistant for specific questions. Please consider for Payroll Deduction, forms must be received two (2) weeks before the intended deduction month.
 
4. What is the difference between a pledge and an outright gift?
A pledge is a commitment to donate a set amount over time, while an outright gift is an immediate contribution of funds.
 
5. When will I receive my tax deduction letter?
You will receive your tax deduction within a few days after your gift is processed.
 
6. How long will it take to process my gift?
The processing time for your gift depends on the giving option you choose. If you give online, it is automated, and you will likely receive a letter within a week. For checks sent by mail, processing may take up to 1 to 2 weeks. For payroll deduction and checks sent by mail, processing may take up to 1 to 2 weeks.

7. How long will the campaign last?
The campaign will run from January 2026 to December 31, 2026.
 
8. When will the permanent sign be installed?
The permanent sign is scheduled to be installed in the spring of 2026, accompanied by a faculty and staff reception to reveal the sign. 

9. If I make a $1,000 gift toward the White Coat Ceremony, will I still be recognized on the Wall of Honor?
Yes. Any gift of $1,000 or more designated for the  White Coat Ceremony will be recognized on the permanent signage.

 

 

Giving Level Monthly Payment (3 Years)

Monthly Payment (5 Years)

Builder $1,000 $27.78 $16.67
Creator $2,500 $69.44 $41.67
Innovator $5,000 $138.89 $83.34
Visionary $10,000 $277.78 $166.67

Skybridge Wall of Honor Recognition

Gifts make a lasting impact, and we are honored to recognize the generosity of our faculty and staff.
Gifts and pledges of $1,000 or more are eligible for recognition on the Skybridge Wall of Honor. To ensure your recognition is accurate and presented consistently, we invite you to .

 

Featured Stories

Rachel Elder
Trisha Ghotra
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When Rachel Elder was diagnosed with lung cancer, her care team at UT Health North Campus Tyler played a critical role in her recovery. Moved by their compassionate care throughout her treatment and ongoing complications, she committed a generous estate gift to the 91²Ö¿â School of Medicine.  “It’s not just about thanking them. It’s about helping them keep going — helping the next generation of doctors learn how to care, not just how to treat.â€
Meet Trisha Ghotra, MS2. Her journey into medicine began in a musculoskeletal trauma research lab where she helped military veterans in recovery. It was there that she discovered medicine’s profound impact—not just on physical healing, but also on emotional reassurance. “Witnessing how healing extends beyond physical recovery, and how medicine can restore agency and dignity, made me realize that I wanted to be a part of that transformative process."
“We give because East Texas students have big dreams and deserve every chance to chase them. After a lifetime of teaching and building programs, we’ve learned that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Our scholarship is our way of saying ‘yes’—to open doors, ease burdens, and let students focus on becoming compassionate, capable physicians. It’s simple: we love our students, we love innovation in education, and we love the teachers who make it possible. If our giving inspires even one person to join us, the ripple will last for generations.†— Sue Cox & Doug Morris
The School of Medicine is game changing for 91²Ö¿â and for East Texas. I love that we have the opportunity to support this new building and this program. - Susan Rossman
Coming to East Texas was a choice rooted in a larger purpose. Supporting the Faculty and Staff Campaign allows us to invest not only in the 91²Ö¿â School of Medicine, but in the future physicians who will serve the people of East Texas with compassion, excellence, and integrity. Together, we are building something that will outlast us and strengthen the health of this region for generations. It's an honor to be part of this. - Dr. Jarett Berry and Ashleigh Berry
Giving to the School of Medicine’s neurology program is deeply personal to me, as neurological care touches so many families in East Texas, including my own. Access to specialized care close to home truly matters. Supporting this program allows me to invest in compassionate care, meaningful research, and the education of physicians who understand East Texas and are committed to serving our neighbors for years to come. - Amy Doherty
As physicians in East Texas we want to support the students who will be our partners in caring for East Texas patients and our families in the future. We want to be part of building a culture and education of excellence for the future of healthcare here in our community. -Drs. Jenni & Jason Holman
The proud history of the Health Science Center and it's rich research tradition is what brought me to 91²Ö¿â. Teaching young scientists is what motivates me to stay. -Torry Tucker, PhD
We are honored to support our students and residents and are privileged to be part of the 91²Ö¿â academic community. - Shelly and Dave Warters, MD

 

Faculty and Staff Campaign Champions

Join your colleagues listed below by making a gift of any size.
This page is updated weekly with new gifts and lists donors in chronological order. Gifts highlighted in orange indicate contributions at the Builder Giving Level and above.

     

Dr. Susan M. Cox and Doug Morris

 

Dr. Julie V. Philley and Richard Lee
     
Dr. Jarett Berry and Ashleigh Berry   Susan and Bryan Rossman
     
Amy and Chris Doherty    Shane and Courtney Smith
     
Paige and Wade Stewart    Drs. Jenni and Jason Holman
     
Shelly and Dave Warters, MD   Kimberly and Torry Tucker Sr.


Contact University Advancement

Jennifer "Paige" Stewart
Executive Director, Health Affairs
Email: jennifer.stewart@uttyler.edu
Phone:
832.425.7273

Faculty and Staff Campaign Committee

Jeffrey Noblitt
Vice President for Marketing and CCO

Kate Starnes
Vice President for Operations - Health Affairs


Michelle Salge
Director of the Dean's Office

Nicolette Billups
Executive Director of University Marketing

Steven W. Cox, MD
President of University Practice Plan, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Professor of Surgery

Susan M. (Sue) Cox, MD
Dean, School of Medicine