What is a community without an education system that puts students first and helps them find all the avenues of success?
The University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College have prioritized student’s education and safety from day one. They make sure their facilities are open to everyone, no matter their age, gender, race, or the class they grew up in. UTA and TCC are the melting pot for making dreams happen in Arlington and our new event, State of Higher Education was created to highlight the amazing work they are doing with and for the community.
As higher education becomes harder to achieve with rising prices and economic hardships hitting majority of America, UTA and TCC are finding ways to break down the barriers to an education that everyone deserves. Dr. Jennifer Cowley, UTA President, and Dr. Elva LeBlanc, Chancellor of TCC, are the compassionate and innovative leaders Arlington needs to help make education fun, accessible and give students the college experience of a lifetime.
Tarrant County College
Dr. LeBlanc hit off the day with a look into Tarrant County College’s success as a workforce and economic development partner. With six campuses, including an online campus, the opportunities are endless for learners of all backgrounds and ages. Every year TCC awards over 8,000 degrees and has over 70 specialized workforce programs across its campuses, tailored to meet the demands of the job market. With its emphasis on affordability, industry partnerships, and a diverse range of programs, Tarrant County College paves the way for learners to gain valuable skills and achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Dr. LeBlanc highlighted 3 alumni of TCC and how they found success beginning with their studies and how it impacted them in their careers. We learned about Brisa, a first generation US citizen with an entrepreneurial spirit and now CEO of her own company Improve Growth; Anthony, who after earning his Associates degree at TCC transferred to finish his Bachelor of Business Administration and is now a business operations manager with Cisco Collaboration; and Flor, who initially enrolled in TCC for the ESL program, then stayed to complete her GED and furthered her education by earning a college degree and now owns her own real estate company.
The University of Texas at Arlington
We then heard from Dr. Cowley, who introduced us to the “Maverick Factor.” The University of Texas at Arlington is widely recognized for its campus, the Maverick mascot, and the iconic blue and orange school colors. However, Dr. Cowley introduced us to the richer side of UTA, showing us their advancements in education and groundbreaking developments. The remarkable accomplishments and impact on the community that students and alumni of UTA have truly embody the Maverick Factor. UTA is becoming the center for groundbreaking research, creative leaders, top of the line healthcare providers and visionary entrepreneurs. Dr. Cowley highlighted many successful local businesses founded by alumni. From barbecue joints to innovative technology companies, UTA graduates are making their mark in a wide array of industries, showcasing how this unique quality pushes them to new discoveries in science, business, and the arts.
UTA is committed to enhancing its facilities and resources, investing a substantial 149 million dollars in renovating and expanding the life sciences complex. As part of its ongoing development, UTA is set to open the impressive Maverick Hall in fall 2025, accommodating an additional 500 students on campus, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. UTA’s commitment to excellence is also seen in its academic programs, with the College of Engineering jumping 10 spots to rank 69th in the US News and World Report list of the best engineering schools nationwide; and UTA stands out as the 4th best college in the country for student veterans, reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional support and resources for those who have served our nation. Since last fall, the Blaze Forward program has provided tuition and fee coverage for over 3,400 students. The university’s dedication to accessibility and opportunity is evident by the record-breaking 81 million dollars awarded in scholarship support during the past year, making sure that students have the tools they need to be successful in their careers.
Community Impact
The State of Higher Education perfectly showcased the power of the schools in our community and how these institutions are shaping the future of education. We are so thrilled to hear from the University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College and thankful for all of our wonderful sponsors who made this event happen. With a focus on accessibility, innovation, and community impact, UTA and TCC are breaking down barriers and empowering students to achieve their dreams.