News And Events

As a national leader in public higher education, the president of the University of Texas at Arlington remains deeply committed to strengthening the Dallas–Fort Worth region through meaningful, reciprocal community partnerships. This commitment has been formally recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, which has awarded UTA the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.

“Institutions that center community engagement play a vital role in addressing today’s most pressing societal challenges,” said Cammie Jones-Friedrichs, director of the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. “UTA’s application demonstrated exceptional alignment among mission, leadership, resources, and practice, as well as exemplary institutionalized approaches to community engagement. We are proud to recognize this work.”

UTA is one of 277 institutions nationwide selected for this classification, an achievement that underscores the university’s sustained efforts to deepen partnerships, leverage community assets, and advance the public mission of higher education during a time of significant change across the sector.

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement is the nation’s leading framework for recognizing colleges and universities that demonstrate a long-term, campus-wide commitment to community engagement. This designation is valid through 2032 and reflects UTA’s continued leadership in fostering impactful collaborations with community partners.

UTA alum Jeremy Su never imagined his mechanical engineering path would lead to handmade cards, but today his nonprofit Cards for Cubs has delivered more than 200,000 cards to children in foster care nationwide.

Launched during the pandemic to uplift overlooked kids, Su and co-founder Matthew Turner grew a small community pledge 3,500 cards in two months into an annual, nationwide card-making movement.

Su credits his engineering mindset for streamlining logistics and says he’s especially grateful when UTA students join through service learning: “All you need is one chance and one person to believe in what you’re doing.”

Across from the UTA Bookstore, Mission Arlington serves the community with quiet purpose. What began in 1986 as Tilly Burgin’s small act of service has grown into a lifeline, providing food, clothing, medical care, housing support, and more at no cost.

Her son Jim Burgin returned in 2000, answering a pull toward home and service. For 25 years, he has built community through simple acts, Bible studies, holiday meals, and treating every family with dignity. “Here, everybody is important,” he says.

Mission Arlington thrives because of people like Jim and volunteers who turn compassion into action every day.

Marcos Slater, a first-year student at the University of Texas at Arlington, is a student leader active in addressing issues of economic inequality. As a first-generation student, his passion for people is seen as he creates opportunities of increased access for his peers and the younger generation. Marcos is pursuing a degree in Computer Science actively taking time to invest in his own development and works to support others. Over the past year, Marcos has been intentional in building a campus culture grounded in service, while also investing in his own leadership and personal development. He is committed to using his education and experiences to drive meaningful, long-term change.

Dr. Jennifer Cowley, President

University of Texas at Arlington    

Thursday, January 29, 2026
4 PM - 6:30 PM

1st Floor, Trinity Hall
800 Greek Row Drive
University of Texas at Arlington

Join us for a fun social and networking event! This is an opportunity to reunite with or build relationships with service-learning faculty and community agencies, share ideas, learn about new programs and initiatives, ask questions, or catch up.

Open to UTA Faculty/Staff and Community Nonprofit Agencies!

Thursday, August 21, 2025
4:00 pm - 6:30pm

1st Floor, Trinity Hall
800 Greek Row Drive
University of Texas at Arlington

UTA Faculty and Staff– ready to kick off the Fall 2025 semester? Join Service Learning and MAFE faculty across campus in a fun social and networking event! Share ideas, learn about new programs and initiatives, ask questions, or just catch up with other like-minded faculty. No Service-Learning experience is needed; just bring your passion for community success!

Friday, September 5, 2025
8:00 am - 11:30 am

1st Floor, Trinity Hall
800 Greek Row Drive
University of Texas at Arlington

Calling all UTA Faculty, Staff, Administrators & Community Partners, join us for CSL’s Annual Community Partner Breakfast! Start your morning with connection, collaboration, and community-building at UTA. Explore service-learning opportunities, share ideas, and discover ways to make an impact within UTA courses and departments.