The Odessa City Council officially approved the Odessa Development Corporation’s $2 million investment in UTPB’s new Civil Engineering program on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. This commitment brings us to 40% of our $6.5 million goal and will support faculty positions, equipment, and scholarships for future civil engineers.
“Launched just this fall, our Civil Engineering program is already building momentum,” Dr. Sandra Woodley, UTPB President, said. “This investment from ODC strengthens our ability to prepare talented students who will help shape the future infrastructure of the Permian Basin.”
The program began in Fall 2025 and already serves 13 students with growing interest. UTPB launched the program in direct response to feedback from industry professionals and to address a critical workforce shortage in the Permian Basin.
“Civil engineers play a vital role in design, maintenance, construction on infrastructure that our society depends on,” Behzad Behnia, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, said.
We are grateful to the ODC and to our partners who have also invested in this program: Landgraf, Crutcher & Associates for $250,000, Grow Odessa for $250,000, and ExxonMobil for $100,000.
“We’re so thankful for the collaboration with these organizations who really see the importance of UT Permian Basin for our region,” Jacqui Gore, Vice President for External Relations, said. “They see that we’re providing the educated workforce needed to meet our future growth needs here in the region.”
If you are interested in supporting the Civil Engineering program, contact Jacqui Gore at 432-212-2115 or gore_ja@utpb.edu.
