Top 10 Moments 2024
Here’s a look back on some of our greatest accomplishments of 2024

From the first annual State of the University, to launching Direct Admissions, and beginning renovations, The University of Texas Permian Basin had a great year! Here’s a look back at our top 10 moments of 2024! We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring us. 

Football free admission 

Football Free Admission
Admission to all Falcon football games and tailgating spots during the 2024 season was offered completely free to the community. This decision came in the wake of the Falcons' historic 2023 season as Lone Star Conference (LSC) champions and in celebration of UTPB’s 50th anniversary.

Football had back-to-back winning seasons and post season appearances, which is the first in program history. They also had 22 All-Lone Star Conference selections, the most Falcons honored in one season by the LSC in program history. 

Mesa renovations 

Mesa Renovations

This year UTPB began the first phase of campus renovations on the first floor of the Mesa Building. The renovation will be completed in four phases, with an estimated five months for each phase. The project began in April 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2026. The updates will enhance the Mesa Building’s safety, integrate modern technology, and transform its interior aesthetics, creating a more functional and welcoming space for our campus community.

  

  

50th anniversary celebrations50th Anniversary

This year, we proudly celebrated UTPB's 50th anniversary, marking five decades of excellence and growth. Throughout the year, we honored our history while looking ahead to a future filled with new possibilities and continued success. Since our founding in 1973, UTPB has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities to students and serving as a cornerstone for the West Texas community.

 Virtual tour

Virtual TourUTPB unveiled a new interactive and engaging virtual tour experience for future Falcons! The user-friendly tour takes students across campus to see our classrooms, housing, dining, athletic and student life events, and more! UTPB recognized a need to provide an engaging experience for prospective students who can’t physically visit campus.

The University also now has a virtual tour guide. Our Virtual Admissions Counselor offers a similar experience to the personalized tour you would receive on campus and answer any questions in real-time. Check out our virtual tour today! 

Launched new and most affordable Master's in Social Work program

New and Affordable Master's Social WorkUTPB was thrilled to announce a new Masters in Social Work. This degree is a part of the Behavioral Health Scholarship opportunity. Thanks to a partnership with the Permian Strategic Partnership and the Scharbauer Foundation, UTPB now covers tuition and mandatory fees for students getting their master’s degrees in social workclinical psychology, and counseling.

Within a few months of launching, the program earned top honors as the most affordable Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Texas, according to a recent ranking by Texas Social Work Education. The recognition places UTPB at the forefront of higher education opportunities for students aspiring to pursue a career in social work. By prioritizing affordability without compromising on the quality of its curriculum, UTPB's social work program stands out as a leading option for students interested in making a meaningful impact in communities across Texas and beyond. 

Outstanding year in athletics 

Outstanding Year in AthleticsUTPB Athletics achieved a historic year of milestones, with teams breaking records and making program history across multiple sports.

The women’s basketball team had a standout 2023-2024 season, earning the No. 3 seed in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Tournament—their first appearance since joining the league in 2016. They advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in program history. Along the way, they shattered records for most wins in a season, most LSC victories, and their highest-ever standing in the LSC.

The men’s tennis team made history by winning their first-ever LSC title, defeating St. Mary’s 5-2. Their season continued with a deep run in the NCAA DII Men’s Tennis Championship, where they qualified for the round of 32 and advanced to the Sweet 16.

The UTPB baseball team also had a remarkable 2024 season, hosting the opening round of the LSC playoffs for the first time in program history. The Falcons secured fourth place in the LSC and posted their best record (30-20 overall, 28-20 LSC) since joining the conference.

Additionally, diver Matthew Lenzo qualified for the NCAA Championships and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors on both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards, capping off another unforgettable year for UTPB Athletics. 

Bright Star Memorial

Bright Star MemorialAs a University, we are deeply honored to now be home to The Bright Star Memorial Outdoor Plaza, a tribute to the victims of the August 31, 2019, mass shooting. The outdoor plaza symbolizes remembrance, unity, and hope for the community.

The outdoor plaza offers a space for reflection and healing, with the victims’ names etched into a central pillar that illuminates each night. Located along the UTPB Campus Trails, the memorial will reopen to the public in January 2025. 

 Growth in graduate enrollment 

Growth Graduate EnrollmentGraduate enrollment at UTPB continues to grow, with 1,195 students enrolled in master’s programs, reflecting a 9.8% increase over last fall. More graduate students are enrolling full-time as our total graduate student credit hours increased by approximately 11%. This is our fourth consecutive fall graduate enrollment increase, including new and continuing students, showcasing the strength and appeal of our graduate offerings.    

 

State of the University 

State of the University

UTPB held the first-ever State of the University address in April, in celebration of our 50th anniversary. The event highlighted the University’s remarkable journey over the past five decades and also shared the vision for growth and innovation for the next 50 years.

A series of panelists including community partners, staff, faculty, and students had conversations surrounding energy, innovation, workforce needs in the Permian Basin, and the University’s impact on the future of Midland-Odessa.

 Direct Admissions 

Direct AdmissionsIn spring 2024, UTPB launched a new direct admissions program in collaboration with Ector County ISD and Midland ISD. Direct Admissions provides qualified high school seniors with automatic admission to UTPB, simplifying the college enrollment process and opening doors to new opportunities. This fall, the program expanded to include Alpine ISD, McCamey ISD, and Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD.

The best part? Seniors who qualify do not need to complete the Apply Texas application—eliminating a major step in the traditional college application process. This program reflects UTPB's commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education and making college more accessible for students in West Texas.