UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Palestine Development Council to Launch Annual Campaign

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October 8, 2015

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

October 8, 2015

For the first time in its history, The University of Texas at Tyler Palestine Campus Development Council will initiate an annual campaign as a way to raise financial support for local students and programs, David Barnard, council president, announced.

This month, letters will be sent to friends and alumni with the hope that these individuals will become Palestine Patriot Partners. As founding members, they will be helping promote higher education in Palestine, Anderson County and the East Texas region.

“Gifts will provide discretionary funds that can be used to purchase additional equipment, support the creation of endowed scholarships and provide further services for students,” Barnard said.

On average, 95 percent of UT Tyler nursing students pass the National Council Licensure Examination on their first try. In December 2014, Palestine BSN graduates earned a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX, which exceeded the pass rate for every nursing program in the area.

“The Palestine Campus is home to an exceptional nursing program that is something the citizens of Palestine can point to with a sense of pride,” he added.

In addition, UT Tyler has recently made substantial investments to purchase new equipment and upgrade classroom and lab spaces.

“Our alumni are highly-educated individuals who positively impact our community by filling a need for a trained workforce that supports our local healthcare industry. This in turn makes Palestine more competitive as it attempts to attract new businesses and industries,” said Susan Harris, UT Tyler Palestine Campus administrative services officer.

Members of the Palestine Development Council include David Barnard, president; Cad Williams, vice-president; and members Judge Bascom Bentley, Dan Bochlser, Raben Bolton, Kim Cole, Johnny Elfarr, Phil Fletcher, Bobby Freeman, Andrew Gregory, Phil Jenkins, Allyson Mitchell, Jim Parsons, Dorenda Smith, Cathy Stark, Ahnise Summers and Leon Willhite.

For more information about the UT Tyler Palestine Campus, visit uttyler.edu/palestine.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.