UTA West charts its future as campus takes shape
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The University of Texas at Arlington outlined its academic plans for UTA West, recognized a significant philanthropic commitment and offered a first look at the campus' long-term vision during a Nov. 13 event at its new campus in western Fort Worth.
University leaders and invited guests gathered to mark the latest milestones in UTA West's development, where construction is underway on a 150,000-square-foot academic building ahead of the campus' planned opening in fall 2028.
“There is a shared belief that this region deserves access to higher education and a thriving university—and the positive impacts that come with such investment,” said Archie L. Holmes Jr., UTA’s acting president. “Fort Worth and the region will benefit from the people and partnerships we are recognizing today.”
Academic plans take shape
UTA West is expected to offer degree programs in business, accounting, finance, cybersecurity, information systems, engineering management, construction management, nursing, public health, social work, and several other high-demand fields, bringing educational opportunities closer to residents of western Tarrant and Parker counties.
“This is an exciting time for UTA West as we take another important step toward opening our doors in 2028,” said Wayne Atchley, UTA's vice president for regional campuses. “With our academic plans taking shape, construction progressing on our first building and the generous support of the Walsh family, we're turning our vision for UTA West into reality. Each of these milestones brings us closer to expanding educational opportunities for students and families across this growing region.”
The academic plans are designed to serve a broad range of students, from recent high school graduates to working professionals seeking to advance their careers or pursue additional education.
“We aim to create an academic environment that provides new opportunities for students, working professionals and adult learners to complete their degrees, advance their careers and remain connected to the communities where they live and work,” Atchley said. “We're intentionally focusing on high-demand fields that connect education with meaningful career opportunities, helping students see a clear path from the classroom to their future success.”
Philanthropic support for UTA West
UTA also recognized a generous philanthropic commitment from the Walsh family.
The Walsh family's commitment will support construction of UTA West. In recognition of the family's generosity, the University will name a 3,674-square-foot outdoor gathering space the Walsh Family Courtyard, the first named space on the new campus. The courtyard will provide a flexible setting for student and community gatherings, performances, speakers and informal activities.
“From the earliest conversations about what this campus could become, the Walsh family has been a true partner,” Holmes said. “We are deeply grateful for their trust in UT Arlington and their investment in the future of this wonderful community.”
The Walsh family has played a central role in bringing UTA West to the region. Its 7,500-acre WALSH development is home to the new campus, reflecting the family's longstanding vision of integrating higher education into the growing master-planned community.
“From the beginning, our vision for Walsh has been to create more than a place to live. We believe truly thriving communities are built through a thoughtful combination of housing, employment, education, and opportunities for people to connect and grow,” said Ryan Dickerson, CEO of Walsh Companies. “UTA West will serve as a cornerstone of that vision, creating a hub for education, innovation, and collaboration that connects residents, businesses, and the broader region. We are proud to support a campus that will expand opportunity, strengthen our community, and help shape the future of North Texas for generations to come.”
Planning for a growing campus
Construction is underway on UTA West's first academic building, a 150,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in fall 2028.
While work continues on the initial building, UTA is also looking toward the campus' long-term development. The University is nearing completion of a comprehensive campus master plan that will guide UTA West's growth over the coming decades.
The current master plan envisions 12 buildings totaling approximately 1.6 million square feet, with the capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 students. The plan incorporates academic facilities, research and innovation, student experiences and community engagement.
Located near the intersection of Interstate 20 and Interstate 30, UTA West will expand the University's reach into western Tarrant and Parker counties, bringing academic opportunities closer to residents and supporting the region's growing workforce needs.
Earlier this year, UTA opened a storefront in Willow Park to serve as a hub for community engagement, admissions support and updates on the campus’ phased construction.
For more information about UTA West, visit uta.edu/west.
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 190 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.