Colleagues,
As we step into the fall semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the momentum we’ve built together and the opportunities ahead.
First, I’m proud to share that our student retention efforts have yielded an impressive 8% year-over-year increase in first-year retention—a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and student support teams. This success reflects our shared commitment to student success and the power of intentional engagement. We must sustain the momentum driving our upward trajectory in first-year student retention while sharpening our focus on second-year retention. Strengthening support for second-year students is our next opportunity for intentional focus.
I am also grateful for the partnership with faculty in response to recent governance changes. We have launched several interim faculty committees to ensure continuity and collaboration. The list of the interim committees may be found here. These groups—including the University Faculty Roundtable and working groups on academic standards, curriculum, and program futures—will contribute meaningfully to institutional strategy and policy development. Thank you to those who have stepped into these roles.
As we look toward the future of teaching and learning, AI is prompting us to rethink pedagogy, assessment, and student engagement. To navigate these discussions, I’ve invited colleagues and leaders to dive into Teaching with AI, a timely and thought-provoking book that explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. Whether in the classroom or across our broader academic landscape, I encourage you to explore how these tools can enhance—not replace—our human-centered approach to learning.
I would also like to thank you for your participation in the QEP survey, which is part of our SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation process. Your input is invaluable as we move forward. You may also offer your contributions to this effort on Friday, September 19, at the World Café event. You will find event details and registration information here.
Finally, I want to encourage everyone to complete the Gallup Pulse Survey, which opens on September 22 and runs through October 6. Your feedback is vital as we continue to shape a workplace culture rooted in our shared values: collaboration, engagement, excellence, innovation, and integrity. The survey takes less than five minutes and will help guide leadership decisions that support our campus community.
Thank you for your continued leadership, insight, and commitment. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient UTA.
With Maverick Pride,
Tamara L. Brown, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
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"Students Want to Be Mavericks" |
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UTA set a new record this fall, enrolling more than 5,100 first-time-in-college students—the largest freshman class in its 130-year history and a 7.6% increase compared to fall 2024. UTA’s total enrollment is 42,710, an annual increase of 2.6%.
The record-breaking class underscores UTA’s commitment to increasing access and offering a wide range of degrees that prepare both traditional and non-traditional students for the workforce needs of North Texas and beyond.
UTA also reports a retention rate of 79%, an all-time high.
Read more about UTA's recording breaking fall here.
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UT System Chancellor Visits Maverick Country |
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On September 8, UT System Chancellor John Zerwas visited UTA for the first time since his permanent appointment as Chancellor in August. He had lunch with students and toured the UTA campus, visiting the Smart Hospital, FSAE workshop, and the glass arts studio.
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Maverick Hall Ribbon Cutting |
Maverick Hall, UTA’s newest and largest residence hall, was officially unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 8.
With 654 beds, the 206,000-square-foot, five-story building is meeting the demand for on-campus housing and serves as hub of connection for students.
In response to a notable rise in freshman enrollment and a growing demand for on-campus housing, this initiative aligns with UTA's commitment to student success by offering innovative accommodations for students.
Read more here.
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| Knox Named UT System EAC Chair |
Jitenga Knox, an administrator in CONHI, has been named chair of the UT System Employee Advisory Council (EAC).
The EAC is a group of staff representatives from across the UT System that serves as a forum for communication between employees, the Board of Regents, and UT System leadership.
Knox has served on the EAC since 2023 and says she is honored to be chosen by her peers to lead the FY 2025–26 term, which will be her final year of service.
Elizabeth Coen, an associate director of Development, also represents UTA on the council.
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UTA Libraries invites you to take a short survey about your experiences in an effort to improve library services.
Library staff hope to better understand the UTA community’s perception and awareness of available resources, materials, services, and spaces.
Your voice matters! Take the survey and be entered to win cool prizes like a massage at the MAC, UTA sweatshirts, and other swag.
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The Gallery at UTA is pleased to present The Gullah Journey: West Africa to Mexico curated by Jorge Baldor, historian, art collector, and founder of the Latino Arts Project.
Part art exhibition, part archival display, Baldor has paired artists working in diverse media with historical documents, maps, and artifacts to tell a story of resilience, culture, and freedom. The exhibition also includes a selection of portraits from renowned contemporary artist and former UTA professor Sedrick Huckaby.
The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
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| Faculty Workshop Opportunity |
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The Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence (CRTLE) invites faculty to attend The Faculty Playbook for Teaching: Award-Winning Strategies for a Better Classroom workshop from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, September 26, in Trinity 105.
CRTLE leadership will host a dynamic one-hour session featuring award-winning UTA educators sharing their most impactful teaching tips through five-minute lightning talks. The workshop is hybrid, and light snacks will be provided.
You may register for the workshop here.
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The Office of Transition Programs and Services hosted the fifth annual First-Generation Brunch and Alumni Mixer on Saturday, August 23.
The event drew an outstanding turnout, with students joined by President Cowley, Provost Brown, and other university leaders. Lisa Thompson and Ashley Purgason were honored with the inaugural Catalyst Award for their contributions to first-generation student success.
The brunch remains a signature event that fosters belonging and celebrates the first-gen community.
You may learn more about first-generation initiatives at UTA here.
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| The new First Achievers Residential Learning Community supports students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year institution.
The program helps students navigate academic and personal challenges alongside peers with similar experiences.
The inaugural cohort includes students empowered by their backgrounds and eager to grow with guidance from our instructor team: Lisa Thompson, executive director of TRIO Programs; Fred Hobbs, director of TRIO Student Support Services; and Tasha Talton, director of UTA Transition Programs and Services.
You may learn more about residential learning communities here.
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The streamlined Early Alert process is now available in Canvas, providing faculty with a more efficient way to submit alerts and connect students with the support they need to succeed.
To make the best use of Early Alerts and connect your students to the most appropriate resources please visit the site for additional information and step-by-step instructions.
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On September 3, almost 600 students attended the Study Abroad Fair to learn about faculty-led study abroad opportunities.
Study abroad is a high-impact practice, which research confirms leads to higher graduation rates and improved post-graduation outcomes.
Photo Credit: The Shorthorn: Elvis Martinez-Cartagena
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You may submit your Maverick Promise and how you are upholding that promise here.
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The Provost continues to host monthly office hours! The next office hours will be Thursday, September 18, from 1-2:30 p.m. Faculty, staff, and students can drop by UAB 321 or sign up via email at provost@uta.edu.
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Do you have an upcoming event that Provost Brown should attend or speak? If so, send us the details! Submit a request to the Office of the Provost via the form on our website and we'll let you know if she's available.
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Have a story idea?
Have something that you want us to highlight in one of our future newsletters? If so, submit your idea to provost@uta.edu.
Missed an edition of the newsletter?
Prior editions of the monthly newsletter can be found online here.
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Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
321 University Administration Building | Box 19118 | Arlington, TX 76019
817-272-2103 | provost@uta.edu
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The University of Texas at Arlington
701 S Nedderman Dr | Arlington, TX 76019 US
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