Two academic colleges will be expanded thanks to a $5 million pledge from Carol and Robert D. Gunn.

The gift will go toward the College of Health Sciences and Human Services and the College of Science and Mathematics.

“Midwestern State is certainly dear to my heart and my family’s,” Carol said. “Beyond that, our university is the single most important influence on the Wichita Falls’ community, as well as the entire area.”

The Gunn’s said their intention for the gift was to enable as many as five new faculty positions in the health sciences to increase capacity for more students.

They made no restriction on the gift.

This gift primarily focused on the health sciences.

“Our decision is in light of the increasing demand for medical care as the U.S. population ages and a shortage of medical care professionals becomes apparent,” Robert Gunn said.

Robert said the need is ever greater for highly educated professionals such as registered nurses, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists and other health science professionals.

Having practiced geology for 66 years and founder of Gunn Oil Company in Wichita Falls, Robert said he need not explain his commitment to the field of science and mathematics.

“Carol’s and my gift is intended to increase capacity in this area to admit additional deserving students,” he said. “In the process, this should also increase income to the university, fill shortages in our area for allied-health professionals thus impacting our community.”

However, the pledge does come with a five-year commitment.

According to the press release, the first four years will expand the size and quality of programs in nursing, radiologic science, respiratory care and dental hygiene.

The press release also states that the final year of the pledge will establish an endowment for the College of Science and Mathematics.

Carol is a MSU graduate, who also served on the Board of Regents and is currently a member of the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Dillard College of Business Administration Community Advisory Board.

“Bob is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and we invest there as well,” she said. “However, Wichita Falls is our community, thus Midwestern State University is our passion.”