Contact: Monty Jones, (512) 499-4363

Date: June 19, 2003

UT System News Release

Vice Chancellor Shirley Bird Perry to Retire

AUSTIN - Shirley Bird Perry, vice chancellor for development and external relations for the University of Texas System, has announced plans to retire after more than 40 years of service with the System and U.T. Austin. Her retirement will be effective March 1, 2004.

"Shirley Bird Perry is one of the U.T. System's most knowledgeable and trusted administrators," said Chancellor Mark G. Yudof.

"She is a person steeped in the traditions and lore of the university; a public servant dedicated with all her heart to making educational opportunity a reality for everyone; a loyal and reliable adviser who does not shy away from telling the truth (although always with great tact), and an unfailing source of vital information and useful ideas. Her contributions to the daily operations of the U.T. System, as well as to planning for its long-term vitality, will be missed beyond measure."

Perry has served as vice chancellor for development and external relations since 1992. In that position she has directed fund-raising operations, public affairs activities, management of estates and trusts, event planning, and other activities.

Before coming to the U.T. System, she was vice president for development and university relations at U.T. Austin under Presidents Peter T. Flawn and William H. Cunningham. Earlier, President Flawn had appointed her as assistant to the president and coordinator of the university centennial observance, which culminated in 1983.

Perry served as director of the Texas Union from 1972 to 1976. She began at the Union as program director in 1958.

Her U.T. service was interrupted only twice since then. She was a teacher in California in 1959-60 and was with the Association of College Unions-International from 1976 to 1979.

Perry holds bachelor's and master's degrees from U.T. Austin. She is married to Sam Perry, an Austin attorney.