The Texas Wesleyan Alumni Association is proud to recognize Dr. Paul Proffitt ’67 as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. An accomplished neurologist, Paul’s journey with Texas Wesleyan began when he was recruited by legendary golf coach, O.D. Bounds. Paul was serving as captain of the golf team when he graduated in 1967.

Paul Proffitt was born and raised in Fort Worth and grew up in the Carter Riverside area. He was introduced to Texas Wesleyan by his father, who was attending night classes at the university to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

Paul received a scholarship to Texas Wesleyan to play golf for legendary coach O.D. Bounds. He graduated with honors in 1967 and received his degree in Chemistry with minors in Biology and Religion. After earning a D. O. in Kansas, Proffitt returned to Fort Worth to set up a private practice on the south side of town. Seven years later, he returned to Kansas for a neurology residency and fellowship, then practiced there for several years. An economic recession prompted a move to Port Arthur, Texas where he was recruited by a colleague to be the first and only neurologist in town.

Dr. Proffitt is double board certified in neurology and neurophysiology, and has served as the chief of staff at many hospitals during his career. After retiring from full-time practice in 2012, he used his expertise to support other physicians remotely through teleneurology. This innovative field uses technology to put specialists into surgical suites across the country and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears to the medical teams there.

Dr. Proffitt has two children, Jason and Sally, who live in Kansas City. He fully retired in 2023 and enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife Freddie at their home in Austin or vacationing in North Carolina and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

About the Alumni Medal Awards 

Each year, Texas Wesleyan University honors distinguished alumni and friends. Their achievements and contributions are amazing reflections of the University, and we are honored to celebrate and recognize them each year.

This year’s Alumni Medal Awards Dinner will be held in the Martin University Center on Friday, Oct. 24. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

The event is open to all alumni, friends, family, faculty and staff. Tickets are $60 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. Register online to reserve your seat, and be sure to check out other homecoming weekend activities as well.

Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 817-531-6548 or alumni@txwes.edu.