UTA is expanding with a new 51-acre campus, UTA West, in Fort Worth. This upcoming campus is scheduled to open its doors in fall 2028.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is expanding its footprint in Fort Worth with the development of a campus. This new initiative includes the establishment of a 51.1 acre campus in the Highland Hills area demonstrating UTA’s commitment, to addressing the rising needs in the community.
On August 5th the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the purchase of land located in the part near Interstate 20 and Interstate 30 intersection, west of Walsh Ranch Parkway in Parker County. Although officials have not revealed the exact price for acquiring the land, the board has sanctioned funds from university bond proceeds to facilitate this acquisition.
Named “UTA West ” this upcoming campus is scheduled to open its doors in fall 2028. Will initially cater to 10,000 students. This expansion reflects a trend where university systems are expanding into Fort Worth. For instance Texas A&M is constructing a downtown campus while Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M System has already started operations at their Fort Worth campus and plans development on their existing 80 acre site, in Chisholm Trail area.
Read also: University of Maine unveils world’s largest 3D printer
Read also: Columbia University Unveil New York City’s First All-Electric Academic Research Lab Building
Strategic Expansion: UTA’s New Fort Worth Campus, UTA West, to Serve Growing Student Population
UTA President Jennifer Cowley stressed the importance of this growth. Cowley noted that the western part of the city is seeing an increase, in population with students and plenty of chances for economic development. He pointed out UTAs role in supplying talent to businesses in Fort Worth. Underscored how this expansion will allow UTA to have a broader influence, in the area.
At the board meeting, Chancellor James Milliken of the University of Texas System emphasized how important this new initiative is, especially given the increasing demand for education. He made it clear he’s really behind the project, calling it “outstanding” and saying he expects it to be a big success. Milliken seemed genuinely excited about what this could mean for the university system.
UTA has maintained a presence in Fort Worth since 1986 when it established the UTA Research Institute in east Fort Worth, which conducts $16 million worth of research annually. In 2007 UTA expanded further with a building on Jones St. In downtown Fort Worth. This facility accommodates undergraduate programs like like social work and nursing along with various graduate programs including engineering, healthcare administration and an executive MBA program. The downtown location is conveniently close to Texas A&M Law School, on Commerce St.
The upcoming UTA West campus will be located in a developing area of Fort Worth.
Highland Hills is located in the center of the 7,500 acre Walsh Ranch community as mentioned in a brochure, by LanCarte Commercial. Highland Hills dedicates 350 acres for mixed-use purposes, including office space, retail and restaurant areas, and multifamily units. Moreover, developers have already established infrastructure and zoning for 140 acres, with some projects like the Cook Children’s facility already in place.
Robert Allen, the leader of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership praised the growth as a sign of the citys progress and economic opportunities. He emphasized that UTA Wests dedication to aligning resources with needs will play a role, in nurturing a workforce, for various industries.
With Fort Worth’s growth attracting residents and businesses UTA Wests addition will significantly contribute to educational and economic advancement, in the region. This new campus not enables UTA to cater to a student population but also positions it as a key player driving progress in the area. UTA West’s strategic positioning and extensive development plans position it to emerge as a higher education center and drive future expansion in Fort Worth.
