UTA looks ahead with research, growth and a new sport
University of Texas at Arlington President Jennifer Cowley underscored community collaboration, industry partnerships and research excellence during the third annual State of Higher Education luncheon Thursday at College Park Center.
As UT Arlington celebrates its 130th anniversary, Dr. Cowley reflected on the University’s deep connection to the city of Arlington, describing their shared evolution as “intertwined and unbreakable.” She traced UTA’s transformation from a military academy to a vocational college, then an agricultural junior college, a state college and, since 2016, a Carnegie R-1 university with global impact.
“UTA is more than a place, y’all; it’s a community,” Cowley said. “Arlington and UTA have grown up together. And I know together we will make the next 130 years even brighter.”
The State of Higher Education is presented by UTA, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Tarrant County College. Cowley and TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc each highlighted their institutions’ histories, achievements and future-focused initiatives before an audience of greater Arlington business leaders and community partners, as well as faculty and staff.
Community impact
Cowley emphasized UTA’s broad and growing influence across North Texas and beyond. Its architecture programs, among the largest in the nation, have produced alumni who’ve designed major landmarks, from Globe Life Field to Dallas’ Omni Hotel to the world’s first net-zero energy skyscraper.
Related: UTA excels in access and earnings rankings
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the largest producer of baccalaureate-degreed nurses in Texas, will expand its reach with the new Mobile Simulation Lab serving rural communities statewide.
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Over the past 50 years, the College of Education has graduated more than 15,000 teachers and is the region’s largest provider of bilingual educators.
The College of Business counts alumni at every one of the two dozen Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth.
“We’re powering Texas’ thriving economy,” Cowley said, adding, “Throughout our history, Mavericks have proven to be problem-solvers and community builders.”
UTA is also expanding its footprint to far west Fort Worth and Parker County with the development of UTA West to meet the educational and workforce needs of a rapidly emerging region. The new campus is expected to welcome students in 2028.
Research driven
Cowley highlighted faculty members contributing critical research, such as developing methods to break down plastic waste; building the next generation of energy storage for the U.S. Navy’s fleet; and helping state lawmakers and administrators evaluate programs and design community support initiatives for children with complex and developmental needs.
“Our faculty is working on just about every problem you can imagine, creating impact here in Arlington and far beyond,” Cowley said.
Related: UTA and UTD presidents: University research is essential. Don't defund it.
Student Success
UTA is committed to creating pathways for student success—from nurturing a thriving Greek Life community to adding innovative support programs such as Emerging Mavericks, created to help students who have experienced homelessness and aged out of the foster care program. Emerging Mavericks now serves more than 100 students.
Related: Gift empowers UTA students overcoming hardship
Blazing ahead
Cowley capped the day with a major announcement: UTA will launch the first Division I women’s flag football program in Texas just as the sport is emerging in high schools across North Texas, including all Arlington ISD high schools.
Related: UTA student-athletes score big in the classroom
“It’s just one more great reason for students at Arlington ISD and at schools across the state to choose UTA,” Cowley said.
