Over the past two years, if you have been anywhere near the University of Texas at Arlington you have heard the name Teik Lim. He became the Interim President for the University at the beginning of the Pandemic. Teik changed the campus for the better and helped the University reach its highest successes even during the Global Pandemic that would have caused most Universities to crumble under the pressure.
As a Chamber, we wanted to highlight some of the amazing things that Dr. Lim has done over the past two years and we received a few testimonials about Teik’s contributions to the community.
1. UTA Became a Texas Tier-One Designation University
As one of only four universities in the state to receive this designation, this is a well-earned designation for a University that prides itself on their amazing research opportunities and wonderful faculty and staff. This designation allows for the University to become even more of an asset for graduates and future graduates. the University will be looked at in high esteem and will receive more funding for research.
If you would like to read the entire article about UTA becoming a Tier-One University, click here.
2. UTA Designated as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander- Serving Institution
Diversity and inclusion was something that was very important to Dr. Teik Lim from the very beginning. The first step was to make sure all faculty and staff went through a Diversity & Inclusion training. This was to make sure that all students on the diverse campus would get the same opportunities and treatment from faculty and staff. The required training only helped the campus become better since it is the third most diverse University in the nation.
There was also a push for more scholarships which led to a $25 million increase in scholarship funding for first-generation college students. With the help of these scholarships and the many ways in which diversity is welcomed at The University of Texas at Arlington, the U.S. Department of Education designated the University as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution. This is a designation that can only be received by Universities that have an Undergraduate enrollment of at least 10% Asian or Native American and/or Pacific Islander students. UTA’s undergraduate enrollment for AANAPI students is over 14%.
3. Groundbreaking of the New Social Work and College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s Smart Hospital
In February of 2021, the beginning of a new build on campus was the talk of Arlington. The new Social Work and Smart Hospital building can be seen as you first enter the University. It is coming along quickly and plans to be completed in November of this year. With excitement brewing from social work and nursing students, we know that this new building will be able to further education and understanding of community building and bettering our health care system.
4. Blaze Forward Program
Dr. Lim with the help of his colleagues were able to create a program that will not only help prospective students in the years to come, but will help those currently struggling financially to make it through university.
The University of Texas at Arlington will make college education more accessible by covering 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students who meet all eligibility requirements and are from families with adjusted gross incomes up to $85,000.
“We want to make a UTA education even more attainable and give strong financial assurances to families and students in need,” said Teik C. Lim, interim president. “By devoting more of our resources toward the success of our students, we’re investing in the future of our University, and in the promise and potential of thousands of talented current and future Mavericks from North Texas and beyond.”
If you would like to find out more information on the program, click here.
5. Helped the Fight Against COVID-19
Safety for students, faculty and staff was of upmost importance to Teik. When the Pandemic hit full force in March 2020, the University Interim President could have folded under the pressure. He could have thrown in the towel and no one would have blamed him for it. Everyone in the world was terrified and while others were able to take a moment to think about what their own future held, Teik had to think about what this Pandemic meant for the future of the University.
With the help of his colleagues, UTA was able to release a statement , in which, all students and staff would stay at home. Classes turned to the online platform, Microsoft Teams, to learn for the rest of the semester and reevaluations would be made at the end of the semester. That led UTA into having two more semesters fully online, with very few people allowed back on campus.
During the time where students were learning remotely, Teik and University leaders came up with a plan of how they would be able to safely get the students back on campus. Although Teik reached out to the student body through email at least once every two weeks, the community morale that UTA is known for just wasn’t the same. The plan was finally able to be executed in fall of 2021. With Covid Testing requirements for all students and mask mandates while on campus.
Through all of the hardships and scary moments that the Pandemic created for the entire world. UTA came back better than ever. We truly have Dr. Teik Lim to thank for that.
Some kind words from the community:
“Teik Lim and his wife, Gina are two of the most genuine people I know. They came to Arlington with open minds and open hearts. When Teik was thrust into Interim President, he went full throttle during both an exciting time and a difficult time. Under his tutelage, UTA reached Tier 1 status while figuring out to reinvent the delivery of education during a pandemic. Though his time with us was short, he embraced Arlington and is leaving a legacy of inclusiveness. I hope you will not forget us, we will not forget you Teik and Gina. Thank you very much.” – Linda Dipert, founder of Women Inspiring Philanthropy
“Teik has been an instrumental part of the Asian Business Council. We met during the first social event held by the council at The Pearl Restaurant. It was clear that day, his commitment to creating a better Arlington and to build relationships between the business community and UTA faculty. The admiration from the UTA faculty in attendance was evident and he didn’t think himself anymore important then the next person which I admired. Teik is a true leader and will be greatly missed!” – Jamel Ahmed, Chair of the Asian Business Council at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce
“During his term as Interim President, Teik Lim was extremely approachable and easy to work with. He cares tremendously about students, the community, and the relationship between the City and University.” – Mayor Jim Ross
“Dr. Lim was thrust into a truly impossible role….running a 50,000 student multi-national university at the onset of the COVID pandemic. Not only did he survive, but he also thrived. Dr. Lim’s engaging, embracing personality quickly won him over to the faculty, students, and to our community. He understood his role as a president, and he allowed those around him to do their jobs. How could I not include Gina in my comments? Gina was by his side the entire time. Gina did a phenomenal job sometimes leading, sometimes following, but always representing Dr. Lim, UTA and Arlington. UTA is better because of Teik Lim and the New Jersey Institute of Technology will be better because of Teik. Congratulations Teik and Gina!” – Terry & Teresa Gaines
“I was a guest of UTA at the Fort Worth Main Street Art Festival on the very first day that Gina and Teik came to town. They’re a team! So much personality, charisma & enthusiasm. Taking the helm at UTA during maybe one of its most crucial periods was not an easy task. Teik’s ability to calm the waters not only with the UTA family but the community as a whole will be legacy. Teik and Gina have a big job ahead of them leading one of the major universities in the New York City metropolitan area. I have no doubt they are up to the challenge.” – Dan Dipert, Community Leader & owner of Dan Dipert Coaches and Tours
From the Chamber, we want to thank you for all that you have done to build even more of a community during difficult times and as we slowly got back to a somewhat normal world. Your love for the education of future generations is apparent in your two years at UTA and we cannot wait to see how you implement your passion for research, innovations and education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).