Meet the President

Jennifer Cowley, Ph.D.

Jennifer Cowley is the first female president of The University of Texas at Arlington and the 10th overall. She is also a professor of public affairs and planning in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs.

Dr. Cowley is an advocate for public higher education and passionate about UTA's role in developing the Dallas-Fort Worth economy, society, and culture by preparing the next generation of talent. 

Cowley has dedicated her career to public service through leadership roles at national research universities, where she championed student success, engaged communities, created strategic collaborations, and advanced innovation.

Before joining UT Arlington in 2022, she served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs for five years at the University of North Texas and 16 years at Ohio State University in a variety of capacities, including vice provost for capital planning and regional campuses, associate dean of the College of Engineering, head of city and regional planning, and a professor. 

Prior to entering academia, Cowley worked in city government in Amarillo and College Station. She earned a Ph.D. in urban and regional science, master’s degree in urban planning, and bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University and master’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies and public administration from UNT. She is a fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administrators. 

An Arlington native, Cowley and her husband, Jon, have a son Nathan who is in college.