UTA president highlights workforce, community, research
University of Texas at Arlington President Jennifer Cowley highlighted workforce development, community collaboration and research excellence during the annual State of Higher Education luncheon last Thursday at College Park Center.
Dr. Cowley opened by reflecting on the University’s deep connection to the city of Arlington, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
“For 150 years, this city has made practical, forward-looking decisions, investing in infrastructure, jobs and education. UTA is a great example of that,” Cowley said. “This community has always understood that investing in education builds lasting strength.”
Cowley added that every decision UTA makes is geared toward “supporting student success and long-term impact.”
Cowley made the comments to a crowd full of faculty and staff from UTA and Tarrant County College (TCC), as well as community leaders and supporters from the city of Arlington. She was joined by TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc and Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
“When we work together with purpose,” Dr. LeBlanc said, “we do more than meet demand. We create opportunity that grows here, stays here and elevates all of North Texas.”
Workforce development
Cowley emphasized that a thriving UTA translates to a thriving city and region. She pointed to the University’s continued student success initiatives in developing the next generation of nurses, engineers, teachers and public servants, as well as its dedication to expanding workforce development by adding in-demand degrees, such as a new College of Business degree in consultive sales.
“What we do here is vital,” she said. “It shapes our city—its workforce, its civic institutions, its cultural life and its long-term economic strength.”
About 74% of UTA graduates stay and work in Texas, Cowley said, and about one-third are buying homes within five years. Altogether, UTA and its alumni have a $28.8 billion annual impact on the Texas economy.
Community collaboration
UTA is a community hub, Cowley said, that helps shape our area’s character and culture. One example is the UTA Powwow, one of the longest-running in North Texas, which brings together more than 1,200 people.
“It’s a vibrant celebration of Native American culture, tradition and community,” Cowley said. “The Powwow is open to all. And it’s a reminder that a university isn’t separate from its community; it’s part of its story.”
Research excellence
Cowley celebrated the high-level research being conducted across campus. She mentioned Jingsong Zhou, a kinesiology professor who is leading research into ALS, as well as Michael Nelson, who is directing the Arlington Study of Healthy Aging to better understand how to live longer, healthier lives.
At the Power and Energy Innovative Research Lab, David Wetz is helping the U.S. Navy test the systems that will power the next generation of ships and submarines. Meanwhile, Nick Fang and Daniel Li are leading studies into improving how we track rainfall and weather patterns, giving cities and state agencies better data to predict flooding, manage reservoirs and plan for long-term growth.
“This body of research together reflects a University that is fully engaged in the life of its community,” Cowley said. “It’s focused and responsive work, led by researchers who aren’t afraid to tackle the hardest problems.”
Looking ahead
Cowley closed her speech with a reference to being “in the middle,” much like Arlington is in the middle of Dallas-Fort Worth. It’s symbolic of what higher education is all about.
“From right here in the middle, the impact reaches in every direction,” she said. “It’s all fueled by caring, dedicated people—people like all of you—who believe that higher education can shape the future.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, 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.