UTA, Saxbys launch student-led learning café
The University of Texas at Arlington is partnering with Saxbys, the experiential learning company that transforms campus operations into student-led businesses and high-impact learning environments, to launch the first student-led experiential learning cafe in Texas.
UTA is the second-largest university in the UT system, and the fifth largest university in the state of Texas.
“At UTA, our Mavericks are ready to take on real responsibility and make an impact, and we are committed to creating opportunities for them to do exactly that,” said UTA President Jennifer Cowley. “That’s why we’re excited to partner with Saxbys. This new initiative will give our students the chance to lead, take ownership and build confidence and perspective that will serve them well in their professional lives.”
The cafe, located in the UTA Bookstore, is being transformed into a fully student-led business through the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® (ELP). Every decision, every dollar, and every team development moment belongs to the students running it. Each term, a Student CEO steps into a paid, credit-bearing role with real P&L responsibility—serving thousands of guests and building the kind of proven capability that will carry forward into their careers.
“When the work is real, the learning is deeper,” said Tamara Brown, UTA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This partnership highlights our efforts to embed high-impact, experiential learning across the University and connect academic work to real-world application.”
Integrated into UTA's academic infrastructure, the opportunity is open to all UTA undergraduate students. As of early April, more than 350 students have applied for Team Member roles, with 35 candidates pursuing the Student CEO position. Students interested in leading are encouraged to learn more and apply for the UTA Student CEO position or join the Saxbys UTA team.
The cafe will serve as a consequence-rich learning environment, where student leaders make real decisions with real stakes, developing the confidence and capability employers consistently say are too rare among recent graduates. At the same time, the space will function as a vibrant community hub where students, faculty, staff and guests can connect, collaborate and belong. Saxbys student-led model, paired with its dynamic and inclusive menu, brings that vision to life.
“Two of UT Arlington’s core values are Engagement and Excellence: creating a thriving community and ‘approaching all actions with high standards and exemplary service.’ The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® is designed to bring those values to life every day,” said Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Saxbys. “When students lead a successful business in the heart of their campus community, manage a team and own financial outcomes alongside their coursework, they are living out Engagement and Excellence, and building the confidence and skills that define the Maverick Advantage.”
The UTA community is invited to celebrate the Grand Opening on August 12, 2026 during Maverick Stampede Week. The opening will feature giveaways and opening-day surprises. Guests can enjoy Saxbys signature Cold Brew and Matcha Collections, all-day breakfast, made-to-order grilled cheeses, protein-packed Fit Frolattes, and more.
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 300,000 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.
Saxbys is an experiential learning company that turns campus operations into student-led businesses and leadership laboratories.
Through its high-impact Experiential Learning Platform®, Saxbys empowers the next generation of leaders by embedding paid, credit-bearing roles with real P&L responsibility into daily campus operations. 100% of Saxbys Student CEOs graduate on-time while leading teams of their peers, serving their campus communities, and owning the financial performance of a real business — putting them on a path to leadership roles 7x faster than the national average. Over the past decade, Saxbys has developed more than 3,000 student leaders, served over 9 million guests, and operates 30 cafes nationwide in partnership with leading colleges and universities.