Monday, April 28, 2025

Dear Maverick community, 

As we approach the end of the semester, I want to thank you for the vital role you play in making UTA a place of possibility, progress, and pride. From supporting our students to maintaining the systems and spaces that keep the University running, your work is at the heart of everything we do.

This year has brought moments that demanded adaptability, focus, and resilience. Higher education continues to evolve, and yet your commitment—to our students, to your colleagues, and to our shared mission—has never wavered. That consistency is part of what makes this community so strong. And if you ever find yourself needing a little extra support, our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential resources for counseling, stress management, and everyday challenges.

Through it all, meaningful progress continues. Here’s how we’re moving forward together in support of our strategic priorities:

This semester, we announced the upcoming launch of a comprehensive, institution-wide employee recognition program through Talent, Culture, and Engagement. It includes year-round peer-to-peer appreciation opportunities, annual celebrations and awards, training on meaningful recognition practices, and a dashboard to help us measure and grow our culture of appreciation. With our extensive network of employees, every "thank you" counts—and your contributions deserve to be seen.

Our signature Blaze Forward program has expanded, raising the family income threshold to $100,000. Starting in fall 2025, more students than ever will receive a tuition-free UTA education. This is a major step toward our commitment to accessibility and equity—and one that could not happen without the infrastructure, service, and care you provide.

We’re in the midst of celebrating UTA’s 130th anniversary, and the spirit of Maverick pride is everywhere. From a tartan design contest for students to a campuswide Birthday Bash at Brazos this September, we’re creating opportunities to reflect on our history and look ahead to what’s next. The winning tartan design will appear on a range of University merchandise available in the UTA Bookstore later this year, joining our other 130th-themed gear.

Just this month, we broke ground on UTA West, which represents the next chapter of UTA’s growth and geographic reach. We also opened the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community Center—a much-needed space for connection, events, and leadership development for our 650-plus Greek life students.

We retained our Carnegie R1 status with a record $155 million in research expenditures in FY 2024. This is a powerful achievement that fuels everything from national partnerships to local economic development—and your work behind the scenes helps make it possible.

In many ways, this milestone year has offered a chance to look back—not just at UTA’s long history, but at how far we’ve come together. Today also marks my third anniversary as president, and I’ve never been more proud to be a Maverick. From foundational efforts like the launching of a new strategic plan to the opening of the School of Social Work and Smart Hospital Building to the exciting developments highlighted above, the achievements of the past three years speak to what’s possible when we come together with purpose and determination. The momentum we’ve built is real, and it’s thanks to you.

I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Thank you for your dedication, your creativity, and your belief in the mission of UTA.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Cowley, Ph.D.
UTA President