Dr. Persley is a native Texan, born in San Antonio and raised in Fort Worth. She graduated from O.D. Wyatt High School as class salutatorian and received a music scholarship to Texas Wesleyan for the bassoon. She changed her major to biology in her sophomore year and graduated with her B.S. 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 and spent an additional year as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Parkland Hospital and the Dallas VA Medical Center. 

Dr. Persley specializes in gastroenterology and hepatology. She completed her gastroenterology fellowship at UTSW and did additional study in inflammatory bowel disease at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. After completing her IBD fellowship, she moved back to Dallas and started her career in private practice. She also focuses on women’s wellness and participates in clinical research in her practice.

Dr. Persley is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the American Gastroenterological Association, America Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, America College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Texas Ambulatory Surgical Center Association. She is the current president of the Texas ASC Society. 

Dr. Persley was the recipient of the 2020 American Gastroenterology Association Distinguished Clinician Award and the 2020 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation North Texas/Oklahoma Chapter Physician of the year. She has also been recognized by D Magazine for several years in the annual “Best Doc” edition. 

In her spare time, Dr. Persley enjoys traveling with her family. She is a member of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church where she has gone on several mission trips. She is a runner and has completed 3 marathons. Her next big adventure will be a trek to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2022. 

About the Alumni Medal Dinner
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 Dinner will be held at the Martin University Center on campus on Friday, Oct. 29. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

The event is open to all alumni, friends and faculty and staff, and tickets are $65 per person. Register online by Oct. 18 to reserve your seat, and be sure to register for other homecoming weekend activities as well.

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