For academic year 2020, federal research expenditures at UT Dallas reached $56 million, which is close to the 2023 goal of $60 million. Benson was candid that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended some of the goals included in UT Dallas’ Strategic Plan. He provided a message on how the UT Dallas community can serve as an example of scholarship and civility. It has resulted in universities across the state – including UT Dallas – incurring unexpected expenses and losing important revenue. Benson said he hopes donors will step up to assist UT Dallas in reaching its research and academic goals.