UTA names VP to lead west campus expansion
The University of Texas at Arlington has selected Wayne Atchley as its inaugural vice president for regional campuses, effective today. He brings more than two decades of leadership in higher education, most recently serving as vice president for academic affairs at the Tarrant Community College Trinity River campus. Before that, he oversaw the successful implementation of enrollment and academic advising initiatives at Tarleton State University.
“Wayne is a highly respected educator with deep roots in west Fort Worth,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “When I first met him, it was obvious to me that he has the connection and appreciation for that community, which is critical for building a solid foundation for the new UTA West and a vision for our UTA Fort Worth Center.”
Dr. Atchley grew up in Tarrant County, and his wife of 29 years, Stephanie, is an educator who taught in Aledo ISD for seven years. Both are eager to move back to west Fort Worth and become fully engaged in the community.
“Spending my childhood in Tarrant County and seeing the astounding growth taking place there now is nothing short of phenomenal,” Atchley said. “To be given this unique opportunity to join UTA and help shape the future of my hometown is truly exciting. I am looking forward to leveraging UTA’s prestigious R1 status and excellent academic reputation to expand educational and workforce opportunities in west Fort Worth and Parker County.”
During his tenure at Tarrant County College (TCC), Atchley provided leadership, vision and direction for more than 300 full-time faculty and staff within the Division of Academic Affairs. He successfully attained a major grant through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that supported the expansion of health profession programs to serve the New Heights Adult High School at the TCC Opportunity Center. Additionally, he fostered relationships between TCC and its university partners to create, enhance and align academic pathways through dual-credit concurrent enrollment.
Atchley holds an Ed.D. from Texas A&M University/Texas Tech University in agricultural leadership, education, and communication and an M.B.A. and B.S. in radio, television and film from TCU.
“Wayne is the perfect person to lead the development of the UTA West campus,” said Jeff Jeter, the search committee chair and vice president for government relations. “Both his professional and personal background in west Fort Worth will provide him with the knowledge and connections to help guide the University as it begins its newest chapter in providing a world-class education to all who seek it.”
About UTA West
In August 2024, the University of Texas at Arlington announced plans to build UTA West, a new campus that will bring all the benefits of a top-tier research university to Fort Worth and Parker County, two of the fastest growing regions in the country. UTA West will enable the University to continue its mission of providing greater access to affordable higher education and equipping students with the knowledge they need to thrive. UTA has long been a top supplier of talent to companies and communities across Fort Worth and the region, with top employers of alumni including Lockheed Martin, Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas Health Resources, Fidelity Investments, and American Airlines. Scheduled to begin enrolling students in 2028, the new campus will bolster this effort by offering a curriculum that supports future economic and workforce development activities in fields that align with the region’s growth. Visit uta.edu/west to stay connected and learn more about UTA West.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.