Back to Business as Usual—Only Better
As another academic year begins, I am enthusiastic about what's to come. My excitement stems from the momentum I see as the pandemic fades and we look ahead to the future. The college's enrollment continues to grow at a rapid rate, our faculty are winning research funding that will lead to innovation and discovery, and our program offerings are expanding with a new resource and energy engineering bachelor's degree program that will begin in fall 2023.
This fall, enrollment surpassed 9,000 students for the first time ever. We have a diverse, talented undergraduate and graduate student population that is destined for great things. Notably, the Computer Science and Engineering Department has grown substantially in the past two years, and enrollment in the M.S. in data science program we implemented last fall has more than tripled.
Our new resource and energy engineering degree will prepare students to apply engineering principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of energy generation, storage, conversion, and distribution systems.
The curriculum includes instruction in conventional and alternative/renewable energy systems, electrical power systems, and electrical system design. Our graduates will straddle the line between engineering and business interests to make decisions that will allow companies to choose the most efficient modves of energy production for their situation, while maintaining corporate social responsibility and a healthy bottom line. This is a unique program in Texas that will meet growing demand for professionals who can look toward the future and determine the proper course of action in the energy realm.
Finally, as you know, UTA welcomed Jennifer Cowley as its president last spring. She has been quite visible on campus as she learns about each unit and what it has to offer. I look forward to working with Dr. Cowley closely as we expand our community ties and further develop relationships with industry partners throughout the region.
Peter E. CrouchDean, College of Engineering