The University of Texas at Tyler University Advancement

Donor Recognition

 

Drs. Lee Roy and Lucy Mathis and Neal and Peggy Garland 

  

Neal and Peggy Garland were the driving force behind the creation of The University of Texas at Tyler’s Longview University Center, according to President Mabry.

“When efforts began to construct a university center in Longview, Neal and Peggy’s commitment to higher education led them to offer their vision and leadership, and to follow that with an extraordinary gift of $1 million for the construction of the Longview University Center and $600,000 for the creation of scholarships and development of activities at the center,” President Mabry said.                         

As members of the President’s Associates, and with Mr. Garland on the UT Tyler Development Board and the Longview Development Council, the Garlands are active participants in the present and future of The University of Texas at Tyler, on both Tyler and Longview campuses.

Drs. Lee Roy and Lucy Mathis are forever linked with bringing The University of Texas at Tyler to Palestine.

Committed to the medical field, the Mathises were instrumental in extending the UT Tyler nursing program to Palestine in 1995, with 20 students in borrowed space in the Trinity Valley Medical Center and Trinity Valley Community College.

“Lucy and Lee Roy were among the leaders who raised support for moving the expanding program to its present location in 1996,” President Mabry said.

In 1999, Dr. Lee Roy, as Memorial Hospital Foundation Board Chairman, presented a check for nursing scholarships in the amount of $1.2 million. In 2002, renovations to the building were complete, and the endowed scholarship fund continued to boost enrollment.

Under Dr. Lee Roy’s leadership and through his recruitment efforts, the UT Tyler Palestine Development Council was established in 2004 with a strong team of community and area leaders.

“His example of support for The University of Texas at Tyler has led to an aggressive charge by this council for legislative and community support for a new Palestine campus site and facility,” said President Mabry.

Other aspects of the Mathises’ UT Tyler involvement include the Heritage Society, the College of Nursing on all three UT Tyler campuses, underwriting events such as Nursing Jubilee and seminars for graduate students. They also support the President’s Associates, The UT Tyler Cowan Center and the Patriot Classic.

“Neal and Peggy Garland and Drs. Lee Roy and Lucy Mathis are making an impact that will benefit The University of Texas at Tyler, the Longview and Palestine communities and our whole East Texas region,” said President Mabry.

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University Advancement
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
903.566.7110
advancement@uttyler.edu