UT Arlington’s New Frontier is Westward

As the Dallas-Fort Worth region grows, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA, UT Arlington) is growing right alongside it. UTA, recently named the best public university in North Texas by the Wall Street Journal, is expanding its footprint westward to meet the educational needs of west Fort Worth on the edge of Parker County. With the recent approval of the UT System Board of Regents, the University is now positioned to build UTA West, a new campus that will bring all the benefits of a comprehensive, top-tier research university to the area.

"Anytime the UT System can expand greater educational opportunity, access, and affordability to Texans, we’re going to do it,” says Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. “We’ve recently done it in east Texas and south Texas and now we’re heading west. We’re looking forward to planting a UT Arlington flag in west Fort Worth, currently the nation’s fastest-growing city.”

“Years from now when we look back at major milestones in the life of the Fort Worth region and UT Arlington’s history, this new campus will rise to be among the top,” adds J.B. Milliken, chancellor of the UT System. “As cities prepare for rapid growth, the presence of great universities contributes immensely to their vibrant transformation, and we applaud the very special relationship between UT Arlington and Fort Worth as they plan for the future in such an insightful and strategic way.”

With Fort Worth recently identified as the fastest-growing city in the country and Parker County as one of the fastest-growing counties, this region is poised to become a hub for major employers. UTA West aims to become a cornerstone for educational excellence and workforce readiness.

“The western part of the DFW Metroplex has an ever-growing population, a plethora of student talent, and a wide breadth of opportunity for explosive economic advancement,” says UTA President Jennifer Cowley. “UTA has long been one of the top suppliers of talent to companies across Fort Worth, and this expansion will allow the University to broaden its impact across our region.”

The multiyear development plan for the UTA West campus includes land acquisition, planning, and construction of facilities, with the first class of students beginning in fall 2028. In conjunction with this physical expansion, the University looks forward to deepening its partnerships with regional high school districts and community colleges to enhance the breadth and depth of educational opportunities available in this part of Metroplex.

As UTA embarks on this ambitious venture, it remains committed to its mission of fostering innovation, discovery, and community engagement. The establishment of UTA West marks a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing efforts to enrich the educational landscape and drive sustainable growth across North Texas.