It’s no surprise that Texas, the fastest-growing economy and the 10th largest among nations in the world based on GDP, is home to one of the fastest-growing public universities in the United States—one focused on having a global impact: The University of Texas at Arlington.
Classified as a Carnegie R‑1 “very high research activity” institution, designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and ranked by Military Times as No. 1 in Texas and No. 7 in the nation for veterans, UTA is setting new standards in higher education with a combination of excellence and access. We are creating transformative educational experiences for students who come to UTA from all walks of life. Our students are determined to make a difference for themselves and their families, and for the communities in which they live and work.
UTA students and alumni also represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve—making UTA one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Over the past five years, more than 63,000 students have graduated from UTA, making us the third-largest contributor of intellectual capital in Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and our state benefit from a growing number of UTA alumni who are making their mark in the world and doing it as Mavericks. Our career-ready students have a broader vision of how they can contribute locally and beyond. Their skills and intellectual power add to the socioeconomic vitality of the communities we serve, including at a global level.
Below are just a few of the many ways in which UTA contributes to Texas, its workforce, and economy:
- UTA and its alumni contribute $22.2 billion and 216,544 jobs annually to Texas;
- Our College of Nursing and Health Innovation graduates the most baccalaureate-degreed nurses of any public institution in Texas, with 1 out of every 2 BSN graduates in the state coming from the University and contributing to enhancing wellness of the Metroplex, the state, and beyond;
- UTA conferred the most bachelor’s and master’s degrees to African-American students of any Texas institution—and we are the first in the state for most minority master’s graduates.
Additionally, UTA’s world-class innovation ecosystem positions us to present bold solutions for the most critical challenges of the 21st century–working across disciplines to ensure our progress in education, research, and engagement.
- UTA’s 2018 research has an estimated $37 million spinoff benefit on business activity in Texas.
- More than 20 startups connected to UTA launched last year, supporting a strong entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem at the University.
- UTA was granted 19 U.S. patents in 2017‑18, and our students, faculty, and staff are increasingly engaged in impactful research and innovation.
In this issue of UTA Magazine, we highlight people who are engaged and committed to fostering world-class, interdisciplinary research and creative activity across four strategic theme areas: health and the human condition, sustainable urban communities, global environmental impact, and data-driven discovery. Each person profiled is making a difference, enabling the advancement of the megacity that is developing around us, and setting standards for others to follow. I hope you feel as much pride as I do in knowing that Arlington, DFW, Texas, and the world are all the better because of them.
They, and you, represent the best of the UTA Maverick Spirit. Let’s continue to Mav Up!
—Vistasp M. Karbhari
President
