Mississippi couple commits $25 million gift to benefit UMMC cancer care, research
Published on Tuesday, January 21, 2025
By: Jewell Davis, jdavis25@umc.edu
Photos By: Joe Ellis/ UMMC Communications
John and Sandy Black of Madison have committed $25 million, the single largest gift in University of Mississippi Medical Center history, in support of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute’s campaign to build a new facility to advance world-class patient care and research.
The Blacks’ tremendous gift will help strengthen UMMC’s dedication to tackling the urgent cancer care needs in Mississippi, which has the highest cancer mortality rate in the nation.
Sandy Black said they hope the gift will have a meaningful impact on the city, the state and further on.
“We’re so proud to be part of this. I believe it will bloom and blossom, especially knowing that it’s not just a cancer clinic, but also a center for research and development. With UMMC being the only academic medical center in our state, we’re very proud to support that,” she said.
John and Sandy Black expressed pride in being part of the initiative, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to improving the community, which aligns with UMMC’s mission to address cancer care disparities in Mississippi.
A major step in UMMC’s plan is major investment in infrastructure. A new, five-story, 250,000+ square foot building will hold state-of-the-art facilities designed to deliver cutting-edge care and foster groundbreaking research, which includes clinical trials. The new facility is designed to provide a welcoming, interdisciplinary space that enhances patient and family care, improves access and offers a seamless health care experience.
UMMC has initiated a $125 million capital campaign to help fund the new facility. In addition to the Blacks’ gift, the couple will also act as honorary chairs of the campaign committee.
The Blacks’ commitment to improving the community aligns with UMMC’s broader mission to address cancer care disparities in Mississippi. A key part of this mission is achieving National Cancer Institute designation, which will enhance the center's cancer research capabilities, lead to more breakthroughs and expand treatment options for patients. Through this expansion in research, UMMC is helping to pave the way for a healthier future for all Mississippians.
“Achieving NCI-designated status for this cancer center will greatly enhance the services needed and shaping the future of Mississippi. People with certain cancer diagnoses have had to travel great distances to NCI-designated facilities to receive diagnostic treatment and care. It’s time that Mississippi had its own facility,” John Black said.
The Medical Center envisions a future where Mississippians can access the highest quality cancer care without leaving the state. To make this vision a reality, UMMC has developed a strategic plan to expand the CCRI.
“We greatly appreciate this extraordinary gift from John and Sandy Black. We have a bold vision for transforming cancer care in Mississippi, and this investment in that vision will benefit the caregivers, scientists and patients here for years to come. When I say we are working toward a healthier Mississippi, I mean we are bringing every resource to bear to change health outcomes in our state. I thank the Blacks for this history-making donation as we develop a facility to enhance cancer care and research,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs.
In 2015, the Blacks made an $11 million donation to UMMC, marking the largest private gift ever received by the Medical Center at that time in a single year.
John Black, a University of Mississippi alumnus with degrees in mathematics and accountancy, was a Taylor Medalist and active in academic honoraries and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His wife, Sandy Black, also attended the university and was a member of Phi Mu sorority. The couple, who met at a fraternity party, married in 1963.
John began his career as a CPA with Peat Marwick (now KPMG) in Jackson before founding HCM Inc., which operated 53 nursing homes and assisted living facilities across seven southeastern states. After selling the business to Beverly Enterprises in 1981, he continued to find success as an investor in stocks and real estate. In support of wellness initiatives, he later donated all Courthouse Racquet & Fitness locations in the Jackson area to UMMC along with a significant cash gift.
Dr. Rodney Rocconi, CCRI director and Ergon Chair for Cancer Research, is grateful for the Blacks’ generous donation which puts the Cancer Center and Research Institute on a solid path towards realizing a successful campaign.
"John and Sandy Black’s incredible generosity marks a monumental step forward in our efforts to improve cancer care in our state. Without question, this is a defining moment for CCRI and will allow us to build a world-class, state-of-the-art cancer center that brings new research and treatment options for our patients. The legacy of this generous gift will certainly echo for generations to come improving the lives of Mississippians,” Rocconi said.
For more information about the CCRI capital campaign, visit abouttime.ms.