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In Memoriam: Nancy McMillan Dedman, a cherished supporter of UT Southwestern

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Nancy McMillan Dedman, a Dallas civic and philanthropic leader who made a lasting impact on UT Southwestern through transformational gifts, died on Oct. 8. She was 97.

Alongside her late husband, Robert H. Dedman Sr., and through the Dedman Foundation, Mrs. Dedman’s commitment to medical research and public health left a lasting mark.

“Nancy Dedman was a cherished friend and an extraordinary supporter of UT Southwestern’s academic medical center mission. She cared deeply about improving health care in our community and advancing the science upon which it is built,” said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern. “Among her most impactful contributions was the establishment of the Dedman Family Endowed Program for Scholars in Clinical Care 17 years ago, which has supported the recruitment of 38 of our most promising early-career faculty members who lead innovative programs and deliver exceptional care across nearly every clinical department.

“What truly distinguished Nancy was her personal engagement. She met with Dedman Scholars each year, offering thoughtful and remarkably insightful encouragement that inspired and affirmed their work. She brought a spark and humor to every interaction, always paired with an underlying seriousness and purpose that reflected her deep commitment to our mission.”

From left: Robert H. Dedman Jr., Rachael Redeker Dedman, Nancy McMillan Dedman, W. Bobby Nail Jr., and Patricia “Patty” Dedman Nail

Additionally, Mrs. Dedman endowed the Dedman Family Distinguished Chair in Neurological Disease through a philanthropic gift of $1 million to support the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, hoping to catalyze breakthroughs in areas like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, brain tumors, and mood disorders. Through these strategic investments, the Dedman family has helped build infrastructure for discovery that will last for decades.

A graduate of Southern Methodist University (class of 1950), Mrs. Dedman remained closely connected to her alma mater throughout her life. With her husband and through the Dedman Foundation, she championed sustained giving to SMU’s facilities, programming, faculty, and student success initiatives. Their philanthropy underwrote the creation of the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences in 1981 and the Dedman School of Law in 2001, among many other initiatives. Beyond financial support, Nancy served on boards and advisory committees at SMU, lending her wisdom and presence to the university.

In 2009, in recognition of the family’s extraordinary contributions to advancing medical progress, Southwestern Medical Foundation honored Nancy Dedman, Rachael and Robert H. Dedman, and Patricia “Patty” Dedman Nail with The Charles Cameron Sprague Community Service Award, the Foundation’s highest community honor.

“Nancy Dedman’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Dallas,” said Michael McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation. “The Dedman family’s generosity and leadership have shaped the trajectory of health care, education, and civic life across our region, and Nancy’s memory will continue to guide and inspire.”

In addition to her support for UT Southwestern, Mrs. Dedman was a stalwart supporter of the arts, social services, and civic institutions. She actively supported the Dallas Museum of Art, Texas Ballet Theater, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. She also generously gave her time to local nonprofits such as the Salvation Army and Shelter Ministries of Dallas.

“Her belief in the power of mentorship and her dedication to nurturing excellence in clinical care have left an enduring mark on UT Southwestern. We are deeply grateful for her friendship and support, and we honor her memory by continuing the work she so passionately championed,” Dr. Podolsky said.

Dedman is survived by her son, Robert H. Dedman Jr., and his wife, Rachael Redeker Dedman; her daughter, Patricia “Patty” Dedman Nail, and her husband, W. Bobby Nail Jr.; five grandchildren, Catherine Dedman, Nancy Dedman, Jonathan Dietz, Jeffrey Dietz, and Christina Dietz; and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration and the Charles Cameron Sprague Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Science.

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