Statement from Dr.

Kern Wildenthal regarding Dallas Morning News coverage

The evidence is unequivocal that during my three decades of leadership at UT Southwestern Medical Center, all auditors and reviewers consistently and invariably reported that all my travel, expenditures, and reimbursements were in full conformance with all approval and documentation standards of the UT System and UT Southwestern. Given the overwhelming evidence that I was always in full compliance with all existing rules and regulations, I am extremely disappointed to read the vague and misleading insinuations to the contrary in a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.
During my administrative tenure, UT Southwesterns fund-raising expenses were among the very lowest of our peers (less than 3% of dollars raised, as compared to the norm of 10% or more). No tax dollars were used for travel, entertainment, appreciation tributes for donors, or community involvement. All these business-related activities, which have been vital to the institutions progress, were funded by gifts from donors who indicated their desire that their contributions be used for these purposes.

The accomplishments of UT Southwestern under my administration are the source of great pride for our institution and our community, and I am very grateful for gifts of almost $2 billion from donors who were confident of my stewardship of their funds, and of my ability to lead the development of a world-class reputation for the school, recruit world-class talent, and create a culture of excellence within. Today, UT Southwestern has the highest standards anywhere for research, education, and patient care, and Im thankful to have played a role in helping the school achieve its remarkable accomplishments.