Texas Southern University and Dr. Ruth J. Simmons Announce Endowment and New Clinic to Support Breast Cancer Prevention and Education
June 19, 2026
Texas Southern University and revered educator Dr. Ruth J. Simmons announced the establishment of the Nora B. Wilson Endowment and Health Clinic in honor of Dr. Simmons’ late sister.
The gift will support the Texas Southern University Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center. The Center provides prevention and early detection resources to improve health outcomes in nine Southeast Texas counties.
“This is a legacy moment and so much more,” said Texas Southern University President J.W. Crawford III. “I am thankful to Dr. Ruth J. Simmons and the Wilson family for the gift to Texas Southern University.
Nora B. Wilson was a breast cancer survivor whose strength, resilience and commitment to others inspired countless lives. She passed away in May. Her namesake endowment and clinic will provide a permanent source of support for education, outreach, screening awareness, research and community engagement initiatives focused on breast cancer prevention and early detection.
The Nora B. Wilson clinic is currently housed within the Texas Southern University Institute of Urban Public Health and Housing in the newly renovated W.R. Banks Building. It is anticipated that the clinic will move to the University’s new Community Health Center upon its completion in 2027.
“Nora Wilson was such a person who lived a life of dignity and worth without ever being singled out for her importance, but she was important,” said Dr. Ruth J. Simmons. This endowment that we are pleased to give Texas Southern honors one who labored largely without praise, who symbolizes the vast and diverse communities that universities ostensibly seek to serve. People like Nora across this land showed us what everyday determination and persistence could overcome.”
The fund will also help expand access to life-saving educational resources and preventative programming, strengthen community partnerships, support student and faculty involvement in health equity initiatives, and address disparities that disproportionately impact underserved communities. In addition to breast cancer screening, the clinic also screens for sexually transmitted infections, offers preventative screening for blood pressure, A1C and cholesterol. It also offers medication therapy management and a dermatology clinic that treats patients with eczema and psoriasis.
The establishment of the Nora B. Wilson Endowment creates a lasting impact for Texas Southern University students. Those who wish to honor this legacy and contribute to the fund may make a gift at
https://give.tsu.edu/campaign/813352/donate or contact the University Advancement to learn more about endowed giving opportunities.
Texas Southern University and revered educator Dr. Ruth J. Simmons announced the establishment of the Nora B. Wilson Endowment and Health Clinic in honor of Dr. Simmons’ late sister. The gift will support the Texas Southern University Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center. The Center...
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