Greetings,

Thanks to the leadership of the UT System, this month The University of Texas at Arlington made a significant investment providing access and ensuring student success—key tenets of our institutional mission.

Under our new Blaze Forward program, the University will cover 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students who meet all eligibility requirements and are from families with adjusted gross incomes of up to $85,000. Many more Mavericks—more than 4,000 per year, in fact—can fulfill their dreams by accessing the promise of a UTA education.

I greatly admire and identify with UTA students who have the grit and perseverance to work their way through college. I grew up with limited means, supported myself through college and became the first member of my family to earn a degree. I understand how financial adversity can derail a dream. Through Blaze Forward, we can ensure that more Mavericks stay on track, regardless of financial obstacles.

Blaze Forward wasn’t the only major news coming out of UTA in recent weeks. We were again recognized as a Military Friendly School and a top destination for Hispanic students. We also launched the new Center for Rural Health and Nursing, which aims to improve rural nursing education and the health outcomes of rural populations.

Finally, I want to offer my congratulations to our incredible student-athletes. The Movin’ Mavs won their second consecutive wheelchair basketball national championship, this time on our home court at the College Park Center. It’s the 10th national title for the best wheelchair basketball team in America. The Lady Movin’ Mavs finished third, capping off another outstanding season. Meanwhile, the Lady Mavs reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007 after winning the Sun Belt title in our final year in the conference.

Our students remain the heart of UTA, and I thank you for supporting them and our outstanding University.

Sincerely,

Teik C. Lim, Ph.D. UTA President ad interim