Six new endowed chairs have been established since the start of the Thrive Campaign, providing faculty with the resources to do research, publish their findings, travel to conferences, and create opportunities for students to engage in high-impact practices.

In addition, donors have continued to generously support student research and other high-impact experiences. As an example of this commitment, The Welch Foundation has a long history of supporting Southwestern’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. One of the nation’s largest private funding sources for chemical research at Texas universities, the foundation first awarded Southwestern a research grant in the 1960s. In 1985, the University was the fifth school to receive a departmental grant, which provides stipends and funding for project supplies for chemistry and biochemistry students conducting collaborative research with faculty.

“Southwestern has had a consistent departmental grant with us ever since,” says Carla Atmar, director of grant programs. “They have done an exceptional job of involving students and nurturing them through the research process.”

In 2024, the foundation also awarded Southwestern an equipment grant, which the Chemistry Department used to purchase a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, a flash chromatography system, and refrigerated shaker incubators. These grants are all part of The Welch Foundation’s efforts to build a pipeline of new scientists.

“We looked at the results a couple of years ago and found that places like Southwestern are unbelievably successful at recruiting people into basic research careers,” says Adam Kuspa, president of The Welch Foundation. “One-third of the students who enter Welch-funded summer research programs go on to graduate school or professional school. That is phenomenal.” Kuspa notes that every way we interact with the physical world, from plastics to phones, happens through some advancement in chemistry. In many ways, developing students’ interest in a career in research is more important than ever.

“I want to thank Southwestern for helping us meet our mission,” Kuspa says. “We couldn’t do it without them, and we truly appreciate the partnership.”