Dr. Kimblery Persley, '89 will be the keynote speaker for Texas Wesleyan University’s Fall Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in the MacGorman Chapel at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

About Dr. Persley, '89

Dr. Persley, a native Texan, was born in San Antonio and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduation for O.D. Wyatt High School in 1985 as class Salutatorian. She played the bassoon in high school and received a music scholarship to Texas Wesleyan University. She changed her major to Biology in her Sophomore year and graduated with a BS in Biology in 1989. She was accepted to University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1993. Dr. Persley completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She stayed an additional year as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Parkland Hospital and the Dallas VA Medical Center. 

Dr. Persley decided to specialize Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She was accepted to UTSW Gastroenterology fellowship program. She completed her Gastroenterology fellowship training in the June 1999. She did additional study in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She completed her Inflammatory Bowel Disease fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York in 2001.

After completing her IBD fellowship, she moved back to Dallas and started her career in private practice. She joined Dallas Digestive Disease Consultants in 2001. In 2008, her group merged with Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.  She is a partner with Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. Dr. Persley has a Clinical appointment at UT Southwestern Medical School Department of Digestive Disease. She has an interest in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Women’s Issues and Wellness. In her practice, she participates in clinical research. She has been recognized by D Magazine for several years in the annual “Best Doc” edition.

Dr. Persley has been on the medical staff of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital since 2001. She has served on the Medical Board and Professional Peer Evaluation Committee.

Dr. Persley as actively involved in several professional organizations including the American Gastroenterological Association, America Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, National Medical Association, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, America College of Lifestyle Medication and the Texas Ambulatory Surgical Center Association.

Dr. Persley is a member of the St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. She has served on the Health and Welfare ministry, St Luke Run Club, Greeter’s Ministry and Mission/Evangelism Ministry. Dr. Persley has traveled to Cuba, Eluthera, Kenya, Zimbabwe, New Orleans (after Hurricane Katrina) and Moore, Oklahoma (after EF5 tornado) with St Luke “Community” United Methodist Church Mission Ministry.

Dr. Persley is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter. In her spare time, she enjoys running. She completed her first marathon in 2017. She loves traveling with her family and spending time on her farm in Limestone County.