Dedman College’s Department of Biological Sciences recently received a $3.6 million donation establishing the C. Vin Prothro Initiative at SMU. The donation, given by Caren Prothro and the Perkins-Prothro Foundation in honor of the late Vin Prothro, will be used to expand research and teaching opportunities in the biology department.
“Vin Prothro’s contributions to the progress of SMU were immeasurable,” SMU President R. Gerald Turner said. “It is fitting that we honor his memory with this Biological Sciences Initiative, which supports one of our highest academic priorities – the strengthening of faculty and associated research activities in the Department of Biological Sciences. We are grateful to Caren Prothro and the Perkins-Prothro Foundation for their generous support of this important program.”
The $1.6 million from the Perkins-Prothro foundation and $2 million from Caren Prothro will fund a $1 million Endowed Research Fund, $500,000 Graduate Fellowship Fund, $100,00 Undergraduate Scholarship Fund and create a $2 million Distinguished Chair of Biological Sciences.
“As new discoveries continue to advance the basic sciences, universities play an increasingly important role in leading-edge research and in the preparation of talented, young scientists for careers in science and medicine,” SMU provost and vice president for academic affairs Paul W. Ludden said. “This gift will enable us to create a center of excellence in the biological sciences by recruiting a distinguished scientist to fill the new faculty chair and by providing funds to support the chairholder’s research, as well as positions for graduate and undergraduate student assistants to work with the chairholder.”
The department currently receives $4.3 million in research funding from outside sources such as the American Heart Association, National Institute of Health, Welch Foundation, U.S. Air Force and National Science Foundation. Research projects include cellular, biochemical and molecular studies.
“This kind of recognition is extremely positive from all points of view,” professor and chair of the department of biological sciences Dr. William C. Orr said. “It’s very exciting. We think it’s coming at just the right time.”
Orr says that the donation will allow the department to identify and hire a biologist that will add significance to the department.
“This is creating a situation where we are bringing in people of high quality and creating more research opportunities,” Orr said. “It’s important for students to experience being in the lecture hall and the lab. With this students will be getting the research lab experience they need.”
