The renaissance of UT Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington has gone through a renaissance, and we can’t be happier.
Once known informally as a sleepy commuter school, it has transformed into a research powerhouse.
UTA on Thursday broke ground on its Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building, the newest foray in the university’s successful quest to become a big name in research and to achieve top-tier status.
Last year, UTA had more than $85 million in research expenditures, with a focus on interdisciplinary research.
UTA President Vistasp M. Karbhari told the Star Telegram Editorial Board that the new SEIR building will bring researchers from different disciplines together.
The urban university has garnered several prestigious rankings, like the coveted R1 (“highest research activity”) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the No. 2 ranking for “Least Debt, Class of 2015” in national universities from U.S News & World Report.
Research-heavy universities are not synonymous with low debt — which makes UTA unique.
But at the heart of it, the university understands it’s still an urban institution.
Karbhari said the school creates a workforce with more intelligent capabilities and also gives opportunities for nontraditional students to receive the same education as if they were full-time.
He understands life gets in the way, but it shouldn’t hinder people from getting the degree they want.
This university isn’t an ivory tower, and its students and faculty aren’t lost in an academia daze. It provides a practical education for the surrounding community.
Graduates get careers along with their degrees.
Most, if not all, of the university’s disciplines have avenues for students to find a career after graduation and even can jump-start a teenager’s college education with high school and Tarrant County College transfer programs.
He explained that UTA not only re-branded itself, but also hits all the right notes for prospective students.
Affordable degrees at a top-notch university with world-class faculty? No wonder UTA is on track to surpass The University of Texas at Austin in enrollment numbers.
Bravo, UTA.
This story was originally published October 28, 2016 at 6:36 PM with the headline "The renaissance of UT Arlington."