UT System Board of Regents Approve College of Engineering

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2017
August 2017
UT System Board of Regents Approve College of Engineering

The UT System Board of Regents today approved the establishment of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin College of Engineering.

The new UTPB College of Engineering will foster a rigorous and collaborative academic environment that demands excellence, encourages innovative education and supports ground-breaking discovery.

“The approval of College of Engineering is vital if UTPB is to reach its fullest potential in providing students with relevant and rewarding educational opportunities,” said Sandra Woodley, president of UTPB. “This new College, based on our strong traditions of critical analysis, relativity, innovation and exploration, will substantially enhance UTPB’s ability to serve the needs of our community.”

Previous to approval, UTPB offered degrees in Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering under the School of Business and Engineering. The new College of Engineering will be housed within the engineering building currently under construction.

The engineering building was included in HB 100, approved by the Governor in 2015. The Project was added to the Board of Regent’s Capital Improvement Program in August 2015 and is funded from $48 million in Tuition Revenue Bonds and $4 million in Permanent University Funds for a Total Project Cost of $52 million.

In other business, the UT System Board of Regents also approved the architectural design of the UTPB Kinesiology Building. This building is funded with $14.2 million in PUF funding for a 43,000 square foot building to house the Kinesiology Department’s classrooms, labs, training room and office space, for a total projected cost of $16.2 million.

Over the past several years, kinesiology has been among UTPB’s most popular degree programs. Many kinesiology majors are planning to attend physical therapy school, medical school or graduate school after earning their undergraduate degree.

“I am very optimistic about the future of the UTPB colleges of Engineering and Business,” added Woodley. “I am grateful to the UT board of Regents and our legislative champions for their strong support for this important work.”