The Herd family has a long history of supporting health-related services in East Texas. In December 2018, the Herd family blazed a new trail by giving the first major gift to The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler for one of the new health system’s hospitals. The Herd family overhauled the critical public announcement system in the UT Health Tyler trauma center. The new, expanded system has improved the work of all trauma professionals and has served families through the daily devotional.

In light of Bob L. Herd’s recent passing, UT Health Science Center at Tyler expressed their gratitude toward Mr. Herd and his family for their relentless philanthropy, with a mission aimed to improve others’ quality of life in multiple facets.

“Bob L. Herd’s impactful contributions as not only a philanthropist, but as a significant leader in this community have forged countless opportunities for East Texans,” commented UT Health Science Center at Tyler President and UT Health East Texas Chairman Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. “His tremendous work throughout our region is one that leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come. We are eternally grateful for his selfless efforts of continuous support to advance healthcare and education, as well as The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. He will be truly missed by all.”

The health system echoed Dr. Calhoun’s sentiments. “He was incredibly kind and generous in his support of UT Health East Texas, and he freely expressed his appreciation for our caregivers,” said Moody Chisholm, president and chief executive officer of UT Health East Texas. “Bob Herd leaves a lasting legacy for healthcare in East Texas.”

Both leaders expressed a sincere “thank you” to the Herd family for continuing to improve trauma care in East Texas and for their support of UT Health Science Center at Tyler and the UT Health East Texas health system.

Michael Herd, Bob L. Herd and Whitney Wolfe Herd in front of the Herd Family Intensive Care Center at UT Health Tyler.
Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, and Stephen Rydzak, MD, in front of the Herd Family Intensive Care Center at UT Health Tyler.