Sylvia Trent-Adams, the former president of the University of North Texas Health Science Center, has agreed to leave her position. In exchange for her resignation, the university will pay her $560,000. This decision was made public through an agreement obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
Trent-Adams served as president for over two years before her departure last Friday. Her resignation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the school’s handling of unclaimed bodies in a program that has now been put on hold.
The separation agreement specifies that the payment will be made within 30 days after her last working day. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram first reported this payout.
Although a spokesperson for the Health Science Center declined to comment on the terms of the separation, the school has indicated that Trent-Adams’ reasons for leaving are personal.
Last fall, NBC News published an investigation into the medical school’s Willed Body Program. The report revealed that the program often used bodies for training and research without consent from families. The investigation found serious lapses in communication, particularly when declaring a body unclaimed, often affecting individuals from marginalized groups.
Initially, the university defended its actions, but after the findings came to light, it decided to suspend the program. In an official statement, they admitted the program “fell short of the standards of respect, care, and professionalism.” They expressed their deepest apologies to the affected families.
The Willed Body Program started under Trent-Adams’ predecessor, Michael R. Williams, who had a significant tenure at the Health Science Center. Just recently, he stepped into the role of chancellor for the university system.
Williams approved Trent-Adams’ separation agreement, which states it should not be interpreted as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either party.
Dr. Kirk Calhoun, who recently retired from the University of Texas at Tyler, has been appointed as the interim president of the Health Science Center. His experience will likely be crucial as the school navigates this challenging time.
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