UT Tyler breaks ground on new medical school building

TYLER — The University of Texas System and UT Tyler Monday hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday in Tyler’s midtown medical district for a $308 million Medical Education Building, which will house UT Tyler’s new School of Medicine. Governor Greg Abbott Greg Abbott headed the list of dignitaries offering remarks. He was joined by UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT Chancellor James Milliken, and UT Tyler President Kirk Calhoun. As heard on our news partner KETK, among other things, Abbott said the new medical school “inspires generations of people,” with the groundbreaking ceremony “making a generational change.”

Eltife called the new school “absolutely a game changer.” And Milliken took a moment to recognize Eltife, commenting, “his leadership has helped grow and sustain the public’s trust in the University of Texas System, and we’re seeing the result today.” “This is an enormous milestone for UT Tyler and for all of East Texas,” said Calhoun. “We are excited to take the next step in creating a physical home for the School of Medicine, and on behalf of UT Tyler, I want to thank the UT System and the East Texas community for the continued support of our health care education advancements.” The school is set to open this June in temporary facilities on the campus of UT Health Science Center in Tyler.