Since we sent you the last issue of UTA Magazine, the University reached a goal that was 12 years in the making: designation as a Texas Tier One university, an achievement that signifies excellence in academics and research. It places us among the top universities in the state and provides us with additional resources to recruit top faculty, pursue groundbreaking research and prepare students to enter one of the strongest workforces in the country.
This is a game-changer for the University, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the focused commitment and steadfast support of our faculty, researchers, staff and students. When the Maverick family works together to achieve shared goals, we’re able to become something greater than the sum of our individual parts.
That spirit of collaboration is evident throughout this issue of UTA Magazine. When we combine our strengths with those of our terrific partners like the city of Arlington, we’re able to discover new ideas, share best practices and break through barriers. Through a variety of partnerships with our hometown, we’re working together toward building a more walkable, inclusive, vibrant community that makes Arlington and UTA a better place to live, work and learn.
We’re also seeing how faculty, staff and students within the University can collaborate with one another for the betterment of others. Our College of Science, in an ongoing effort to produce and inspire more STEM-trained professionals, has developed initiatives that are paying positive dividends in North Texas schools. And in our College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, a dedicated team of professionals has partnered with historic Black communities across North Texas to preserve their histories and adapt to encroaching urbanization.
Students, of course, remain the heart of UTA, and our efforts across schools, colleges and departments to provide them maximum support remains an ongoing priority. Whether it’s through advising, supplemental instruction or scholarship opportunities, our team is committed to ensuring a self-sustaining ecosystem of student success.
The Maverick family is vast and mighty. When we work together, we accomplish big goals like Texas Tier One. We should all share pride in this success, and consider what we can accomplish when we collaborate both from within UTA and with our great community partners.
Go Mavs!
—Teik C. Lim, Ph.D.
President ad interim
