UTA again among elite group of national research universities
The University of Texas at Arlington again has been named to the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the definitive list for the top doctoral research universities in the United States.
“I am immensely proud of our continued designation as a Carnegie R-1 university and congratulate our distinguished scholars, exemplary students and dedicated staff and supporters on this achievement,” said Teik C. Lim, interim president. “Our continuous pursuit of excellence has advanced the University’s reputation for impactful research and high-quality education, placing UTA among the nation’s top research institutions.”
The Carnegie Classification analyzes data from all U.S. post-secondary institutions and evaluates measures of research activity, including research and development expenditures; science and engineering research staff; and doctoral conferrals in humanities, STEM fields and other areas such as business, education and social work. UTA was first designated as R-1 in 2015, and the status was renewed in 2018.
UTA’s total research expenditures were approximately $125 million in 2020, with restricted and federal research expenditures of $52 million. Faculty and students engage in research on health disparities, gerontology, critical Texas infrastructure for transportation and natural disaster planning, advanced aviation technology, composite materials and much more.
Earlier this year, UTA became just the fourth institution in the state to achieve designation as a Texas Tier One university, an attribution of excellence in academics and research that brings with it access to the state’s National Research University Fund. Texas Tier One status not only signifies that UTA is a leading research university, but also provides additional resources to ensure the University continues to recruit top faculty, pursue groundbreaking research and prepare students to enter one of the strongest workforces in the country.
In addition, the University ranks No. 1 nationally in the Military Times annual “Best for Vets: Colleges” list, is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and has approximately 250,000 alumni making an impact across Texas and beyond.
James Grover, interim vice president for research, said the announcement by the Carnegie Classification affirms the University’s position as a growing research powerhouse.
“This recognition is a testament to the University’s commitment to the advancement of knowledge that will improve the human condition,” Grover said. “UTA is on a strong trajectory of growth in research related to health care access and equity, sustainable urban communities, information management and other areas that tackle the globe’s greatest challenges.”