The University of Texas at Austin has announced a $100 million donation from Tench and Simone Coxe to support the development of its new academic medical center. The gift, described as one of the largest in the university’s history, will help establish an integrated health system that combines the university’s research programs, Dell Medical School, and UT MD Anderson cancer care.
Simone Coxe said, “Great medical care changes lives, and we want more people to have access to it. What inspired us was a bold vision to build something here that could become a new model for health care in Austin and beyond.”
Tench Coxe highlighted his motivation for supporting the project: “We have a close friend who had to travel to Houston for care she should have been able to get here at home. Having spent my career backing strong leaders, meeting Claudia made it clear: Supporting the vision for the UT medical center is exactly the opportunity Austin needed.” He referred to Claudia Lucchinetti, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of Dell Medical School.
Claudia Lucchinetti commented on the impact of the donation: “This extraordinary act of generosity adds momentum to bring our boldest aspirations to life and change health care in Austin as we know it. UT’s medical center will unite care, discovery and education in ways that redefine what’s possible, for Texas and beyond.”
University President Jim Davis emphasized the broader significance: “Integrating UT’s world-class research into this new, advanced medical system will be a game changer. What is starting here will change medicine, life sciences research, and the health and vitality of countless lives. The Coxes’ generosity is transformative in making this happen, and we cannot thank them enough.”
The planned medical center includes a new hospital focused on complex conditions alongside an expansion by UT MD Anderson Cancer Center into Austin. Currently, about 25% of residents leave Central Texas for specialized treatment; this facility aims to provide advanced care locally.
The academic health system also incorporates existing outpatient clinics, partnerships with Ascension’s Dell Seton Medical Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center, as well as collaborations with Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers. The university’s research strengths in artificial intelligence, engineering, robotics, pharmacy, nursing, and social work are expected to contribute significantly to advancements in healthcare delivery.
Because their investment is unrestricted, resources can be allocated where they are most needed—such as recruiting clinicians and scientists or investing in technology.
Lucchinetti added: “That they chose to invest at this level speaks volumes about the urgency and importance of our work. We are confident this gift will inspire others to join us in shaping the future of health.”
The new UT medical center is scheduled to open in 2030.
