UT System Approves Funding for First Building at UTA West Campus

New 51-acre campus in west Fort Worth set to open in 2028

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved funding for the first building at UTA West, a new campus being developed by the University of Texas at Arlington in far west Fort Worth. The funding will support initial infrastructure improvements and construction of the inaugural facility, which is projected to welcome its first students in fall 2028.

Why it matters

UTA West represents a strategic investment by the UT System to expand access to higher education and support economic growth in the fast-growing North Texas region. The new campus will help meet workforce needs by offering high-demand academic programs and generating over $200 million in annual economic impact.

The details

The 51-acre UTA West campus will be located within the Walsh Ranch development near Aledo, close to the intersection of Interstates 20 and 30. The Board of Regents' funding approval follows last November's green light for associated infrastructure improvements, including utilities, site preparation and parking. UTA West builds on the university's longstanding partnership with Fort Worth, including the UTA Research Institute and UTA Fort Worth Center.

  • The Board of Regents approved funding for UTA West on February 20, 2026.
  • The inaugural class at UTA West is projected to enroll in fall 2028.

The players

John M. Zerwas, MD

Chancellor of the University of Texas System.

Jennifer Cowley

President of the University of Texas at Arlington.

University of Texas System Board of Regents

The governing body of the University of Texas System, which approved funding for the UTA West project.

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

A growing public research university in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, ranked among the top 5% of institutions for research activity in the U.S.

Walsh Ranch

The 51-acre development in west Fort Worth where the new UTA West campus will be located.

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What they’re saying

“UTA West represents the kind of strategic investment that strengthens opportunity and economic growth in Texas. I know how important this project is to the Board of Regents and to the future of this fast-growing region. This funding moves UT Arlington closer to expanding access to a leading research university and helping meet the workforce needs of North Texas.”

— John M. Zerwas, MD, Chancellor of the University of Texas System (Mirage News)

“This investment marks a defining moment for our university and the region we proudly serve. I am deeply grateful to our Board of Regents for their steadfast belief in what UTA West will mean for generations of students. Their meaningful support will help turn our big dream into a tangible reality.”

— Jennifer Cowley, President of the University of Texas at Arlington (Mirage News)

What’s next

The University of Texas at Arlington will now begin construction on the first building at the UTA West campus, with the goal of welcoming the inaugural class of students in fall 2028.

The takeaway

The development of UTA West reflects the University of Texas System's commitment to expanding access to high-quality higher education and driving economic growth in the rapidly expanding North Texas region. The new campus will play a crucial role in supplying a skilled workforce to support the area's continued population and business expansion.