Bullock gift endows distinguished chair to support science education in Texas

DALLAS - March 14, 2001 - In the last decade, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas' Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS) program has grown from an all-volunteer effort with no funding to a highly sought-after program encompassing more than 450 middle and high schools in the state. Like one of its leading supporters - former Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, who died in 1999 - it has touched the lives of many Texans.

Jan Bullock, his widow, has ensured that he will continue to impact the lives of Texans by providing $1 million to UT Southwestern to establish the Jan and Bob Bullock Distinguished Chair for Science Education. Funds for the endowment were derived from Bullock's campaign account at the time of his death, along with matching funds from an anonymous donor. The chair will be held by the director of the STARS program and will provide funding to allow the program to grow.

"Bob Bullock believed in the power of education," said Dr. Kern Wildenthal, UT Southwestern president. "He also believed in the quality of our programs at UT Southwestern. Jan Bullock shares these beliefs, and we are honored this endowment has been established as a way to help UT Southwestern serve Texas."

STARS began in 1991 when a group of UT Southwestern faculty members decided they wanted to do something to improve the quality of science education in the state of Texas. Although the program was initially a volunteer effort, Bullock and other legislators helped the program acquire state funding in 1993.

"Bob regarded UT Southwestern as one of the world's leading medical centers, and he always felt STARS was a great program," Mrs. Bullock said. "I know he would be happy that there will now be additional funding to enhance it still more."

Since its inception, STARS has created a number of successful initiatives that target both science teachers and students in Texas. In one program, advanced placement students from Dallas are brought to UT Southwestern to meet with medical students and graduate students to learn more about advanced degrees. In another program, UT Southwestern leads all-day in-service sessions for science teachers on hot scientific topics like DNA or genetics.

"Because of the Bullocks' well-known commitment to education and the respect in which they are held, this endowment will raise the visibility of the STARS program," said Dr. George Ordway, STARS director and an associate professor of physiology. "We always want to do more and reach more students and teachers, and this gift allows us to do that."

The endowed chair will provide a constant source of income for STARS and will enable the program to expand its current scope and to begin new initiatives. UT Southwestern plans to implement a new program that reaches out to science teachers who are underqualified and desire additional training. The school also hopes to establish links with community colleges and colleges that serve predominately minority populations in an effort to help upgrade science education in these institutions.

Bullock was Texas' lieutenant governor from 1991 to 1999. He also served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1956 to 1959, was Texas secretary of state in 1971 and 1972, and was Texas' comptroller from 1975 to 1991.

A Democrat, Bullock was revered for his ability to reach across party lines. President George W. Bush frequently cites him as a prime example of an individual who has worked productively in a bipartisan spirit to benefit all citizens.

"Bob Bullock was one of the great Texas leaders of the 20th century," Wildenthal said. "UT Southwestern is proud to help carry on his and Jan's commitment to improve education in Texas."