The Greater Arlington Chamber‘s 3rd Annual State of Higher Education, presented by LBL Architects, focused on the tremendous impact of two institutions. Both celebrating anniversaries this year, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) turns 130 and Tarrant County College (TCC) turns 60. 
“From our Wild Frontier Days to today’s bustling metropolis, we continue to reinvent ourselves as partners in creating and growing our economy, culture and society,” Dr. Jennifer Cowley, President of UTA, said. “This university holds true to the principle that if we give Texans the opportunity to receive an outstanding college education, they will do extraordinary things.”
Cowley shared how UTA first opened its doors in 1895 with only six teachers and 75 students. Now a major public research university with nearly 300,000 alumni, UTA has become a leading force in education, innovation and economic impact.
UTA is committed to their mission to empower students through affordability and opportunity with initiatives like Blaze Forward, UTA’s commitment to tuition support.
Not only did Cowley highlight key milestones in the university’s history, but she also shared one they made that day. UTA is the first NCAA Division One school in Texas to add women’s flag football as an official athletic program. Cowley said flag football is the “queen” of Texas, and UTA is excited to have a team for one of the fastest-growing women’s sports in the nation.
Dr. Elva LeBlanc, Chancellor of Tarrant County College, shared how TCC was founded in 1965 to meet the needs of a growing population and continues to meet that mission today.
“We think of Tarrant County College as a catalyst for impact, a source of inspiration for thousands,” LeBlanc said. “Our new strategic plan, Trailblazing Together 2030, will ensure we remain ready for any challenge. Our mission has never been more clear: to be the guiding star for accessible, high-quality educational experiences.”
TCC now serves more than 47,000 students annually across six campuses, including the Southeast Campus in Arlington. Its dual credit programs and workforce training for high-demand industries, including health care and advanced manufacturing, are designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce from day one.
Together, UTA and TCC recognized a key partner in education, Phillip Wambsganss, President of the Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC), for his outstanding commitment and contributions to the students of our region. HESC, a nonprofit, helps students plan and pay for college, as well as manage their financial obligations
“We share a mission to provide opportunities and an exceptional educational experience to every student who walks through our doors, no matter where the journey begins,” Cowley said. “The students at both of our institutions are fortunate that another organization shares this devotion to the students of this community. By working together, we are developing a skilled and educated workforce in expanding economic opportunity right here in earnest.”
The Chamber’s Partners in Education program (PIE) bridges the gap between the business and education communities. PIE provides a multitude of opportunities for business and community leaders to connect with the future generation including practicum programs, an annual entrepreneurship contest, campus beautification projects, scholarships and more. For more information, contact Alicia Collins-Butler, Sr. Director of Education, Workforce & Community Development.