Bill for UT Tyler Pharmacy School Awaits Perry’s Signature

AUSTIN — The bill that would authorize the creation of a pharmacy school at The University of Texas at Tyler has been passed by the Texas Senate and House and is now on its way to Gov. Rick Perry for approval. A signature from the governor would be followed by final approval by the UT System Board of Regents.

“This is a momentous occasion in the university’s history, and we couldn’t be more pleased. We are one step closer to establishing a self-supporting pharmacy school at UT Tyler. This means it will receive no state funding, and that’s a unique model for Texas,” said President Rodney Mabry.

Philanthropy will play an integral part in the development of the pharmacy school. Interested donors have already contacted the university, and UT Tyler will continue to reach out to other community leaders and alumni for participation, Mabry added. The pharmacy school would help fulfill a vital workforce need in the East Texas region. “Several employers in the community have expressed the benefits of this program. It will provide East Texans access to a pharmacy school, leading to opportunities for stable, high-paying jobs well into the future, and local pharmacies will have access to ‘home grown’ pharmacists who will stay in the area reducing turnover rates,” President Mabry said.