From major construction projects to historic football wins and record-breaking investments, The University of Texas Permian Basin is growing. 2025 was an incredible year, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store!
Campus Construction Progressing
There’s a lot happening on campus this year! Along with renovations to the Mesa Building, we’re building a brand-new front entrance at Maple/JBS with a roundabout, big UTPB letters, and a Falcon statue, set to open in May 2026.
We’re also transforming the quad in the center of campus into Fiona’s Court, a vibrant new space with a stage, food options, seating areas, water features, and fire pits. This gathering spot will be open for students, faculty, staff, and the community to enjoy when it’s completed in February 2027.
Stay tuned for more on Fiona, our new Falcon statue, coming soon!
VR/AI in Special Education Research Begins
UTPB’s College of Education and Information Technology Services teamed up with Bynum School to create two amazing projects built entirely by the University to meet specific educational needs. Using Virtual Reality, students get to practice real-life skills like cooking and riding the bus in safe, immersive simulations. At the same time, teachers train in AI-powered virtual classrooms filled with students who have unique learning needs.
These tools help build confidence, improve teaching strategies, and are designed specifically to support our community.
New Graphic Design BFA
Design your future with UTPB! Our brand-new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design gives students the tools to turn creativity into a career. Falcons will master typography, color theory, branding, digital design, and more, while gaining hands-on experience through real-world projects.
This program opens doors to careers in design studios, advertising agencies, tech companies, or even launching your own creative studio, all without leaving West Texas.
Direct Admissions Program Expands
UTPB’s Direct Admissions program is opening doors for even more local high school seniors in 2025. This year, 2,198 students from seven partner districts received automatic acceptance with no application needed!
All they have to do is confirm their offer online, send in their transcript, and sign up for orientation to claim their spot as a Falcon.
By cutting out the extra hoops, this program is making college easier to access. With an average GPA of 3.36 among accepted students, the future looks bright for these Falcons!
Get all the details at utpb.edu/directadmissions.
UTPB President Presents Online Graduate with Degree
Graduation looked a little different for one of our Falcons this year in the best way possible. While in Austin, UTPB President Dr. Sandra Woodley surprised online graduate Jeremy Hannon by personally delivering his diploma.
Jeremy completed his degree entirely online and wasn’t able to attend commencement in person. He graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and this one-on-one recognition was a meaningful way to celebrate his hard work. It was a special moment that perfectly kicked off graduation weekend and highlighted the flexibility and impact of UTPB’s online programs.
Fall 2025 Enrollment Increases
UTPB saw continued enrollment growth for Fall 2025! With 5,622 students enrolled, overall enrollment increased from last year, and graduate enrollment reached a record high of 1,410 students.
More Falcons returned and more new students chose UTPB, with 52 percent of undergraduates having tuition and mandatory fees fully covered through financial aid, grants, or scholarships. These trends show more students finding success and opportunity right here in West Texas.
Civil Engineering Program Gains Support During First Semester
UTPB’s Civil Engineering program gained a lot of support during its first semester! Thanks to generous contributions from:
- Odessa Development Corporation: $2 M
- Landgraf, Crutcher & Associates: $250,000
- Grow Odessa: $250,000
- ExxonMobil: $100,000
Football's Historic Season
UTPB football made history in 2025!
For the first time in program history, the Falcons reached the Super Regional Final, marking the deepest postseason run in program history. The team finished 11-3 and set a new single-season wins record. Falcons up!
Scharbauer Foundation Investment
UTPB is excited to receive a $2.55 million grant from the Scharbauer Foundation to help grow Midland’s education and behavioral health workforce.
The funding will support scholarships for Midland ISD employees working toward teacher certification, tuition for students in the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, and paid clinical placements for Behavioral Health students at the new Behavioral Health Hospital and other local partners.
This investment means more opportunities for our community to build skilled professionals right here at home.
$1 Million Raised at Scholarship Ball
UTPB raised a record-breaking $1 million at the 4th Annual Scholarship Ball! Every dollar supports the General Scholarship Fund, helping students across West Texas access higher education. With more than 90 percent of UTPB students eligible for scholarships, this milestone shows the power of community generosity.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Scholarship Ball on Thursday, October 29, 2026. We can’t wait to make it even bigger and more impactful!
