Mavericks gathered Tuesday for President Jennifer Cowley’s annual State of the University address at Texas Hall.
Following its strategic plan, “UTA 2030: Shared Dreams, Bright Future,” Cowley announced research advancements, scholarship and grant opportunities, improved websites and construction updates.
Drone facility
The UTA Research Institute in Fort Worth will soon house a $2.3 million state-of-the-art outdoor netted drone facility. Known as the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center, its completion is planned for January 2025, according to a UTA press release.
MAVRC will be equipped with lighting, an advanced suite of cameras and sensors, and an adjacent control/education building. The facility aims to improve research opportunities for UTA members, area companies, local municipalities and the community.
Scholarships and grants
Thomas Connelly and The Harold Simmons Foundation, a philanthropic group supporting nonprofit programs in Dallas, has honored UTA alumna Serena Simmons Connelly’s death by establishing the Serena Simmons Connelly Memorial Endowed Graduate Fellowship in the School of Social Work.
“This scholarship will provide support for at least eight full-time social work graduate students,” Cowley said.
UTA alumnus Raj Nooyi and his wife Indra Nooyi gave the recently renamed Center for Innovation in Health Informatics $5 million to support two new endowed professorships and research awards for faculty studying health informatics.
“The research awards will serve as seed funding to help faculty garner additional research funding from external sources,” Cowley said. “The Nooyi’s generosity is a true testament to their support and dedication to our university.”
Campus weather conditions
Chief information officer Deepika Chalemela and the Office of Information Technology are partnering with the UTA Planetarium to launch a website displaying campus weather conditions. The application will have real-time information from the observatory’s weather station.
UTA Mobile
The Office of Information Technology continues its partnership with the Division of Student Success to align the MyMav web portal with UTA Mobile, aiming to improve the student experience.
Spanish language summer camps
With over 700 attendees at UTA summer camps this year, Cowley announced that by summer 2025, the university will offer Spanish language versions for a number of camps.
“I’m really excited we’re going to be able to expand our impact in the community,” she said.
Construction
John Hall, vice president of administration and economic development, is leading several Arlington construction projects with over $300 million invested into endeavors last year.
The Greek Life Center, which will provide a shared space for Fraternity and Sorority Life gatherings, training and events, is scheduled to open by the spring semester. Additionally, a new track and scoreboard will be installed at Maverick Stadium.
@amandaLaldridge @PMalkomes