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The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler   •   Longview   •   Palestine
A centerpiece for learning,
culture and natural beauty

UT Tyler 40th Anniversary

2000s Growth

Ratliff Building Groundbreaking

2000

  • UT Tyler students approve recreational facility fee for Herrington Patriot Center.
  • UT Tyler begins participation in on-line master of business administration degree program. The program is offered through The University of Texas TeleCampus.
  • UT Tyler Longview University Center opens.
  • Ralph and Mary John Spence Fountain dedicated.
  • UT Tyler Celia and Sam Roosth Endowed Chair of Education established.

2001

  • UT Tyler announces academic reorganization.
  • UT Tyler announces plans to implement intercollegiate athletics program. Appoints athletic director and begins competing in NCAA Division III with men’s and women’s tennis program.
  • UT Tyler Riter Millennium Carillon Tower and Plaza completed. With 57 bells, it is the largest carillon in Texas and one of the 20 largest in the nation.
  • UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center celebrates fifth anniversary season.

2002

  • Groundbreaking ceremony for Herrington Patriot Center. The 86,000 square-foot facility houses classrooms and faculty offices, indoor jogging/walking track, raquetball courts, fitness equipment and free-weight area, outdoor swimming pool and gymnasium/convocation area with volleyball and basketball courts.
  • Groundbreaking ceremony for David G. and Jacqueline M. Braithwaite Building. The over 30,000 square-foot facility will house classrooms and faculty offices, classrooms, student lounge area, conference room, study labs, computer labs, nursing skills labs and faculty offices. The high-tech classrooms are equipped for interactive television (ITV) broadcasting to and from other sites.
  • University recognized in Associated Press news report as providing its students with the best opportunity to study with full-time professors -- rather than graduate assistants or adjuncts -- compared to all other public universities in the state.
  • Largest fall (4,235) and spring (3,807) enrollments to date.

2003

  • Louise Herrington Patriot Center opens.
  • David G. and Jacqueline M. Braithwaite Building opens.
  • Athletic program begin NCAA provisional membership
  • College of Engineering is accredited by ABET.

2004

  • Braithwaite Endowed Faculty Chair established.
  • Patriot Village student apartments open – second student housing facility.
  • Construction begins on Bill Ratliff Engineering and Sciences Complex and Ornelas Residence Hall.

2005

  • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves planning of university’s first two Ph.D. programs (nursing and human resource development).
  • Construction begins on new facility for UT Health Clinic, owned and operated by the UT Health Science Center at Tyler and serving UT Tyler students and employees.
  • Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board authorizes the planning of first two Ph.D. programs (nursing and human resource development).
  • Civil engineering program begins.

2006

  • First sororities (Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Chi Omega) implemented.
  • UT Tyler Ballpark and Irwin Baseball Field opens.
  • Largest commencement to date (607 candidates).
  • University of Texas Health Clinic opens in temporary facility.
  • Texas Legislature authorizes Tuition Revenue Bond funds to complete South Building of Bill Ratliff Engineering and Sciences Complex and construct a new Palestine Campus facility.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Z. Ornelas Residence Hall opens.
  • Bill Ratliff Engineering and Sciences Complex South Building opens.
  • Civil and environmental engineering degree programs begin.

2007

  • Construction management and nurse practitioner degree programs begin.
  • University becomes full member of NCAA.
  • Higher Education Coordinating Board approves UT Tyler’s first Ph.D. program (nursing).

2008

  • First nursing Ph.D. students enroll in fall semester.

2009

  • University Center addition opens.
  • UT Tyler reaches another record fall enrollment with 6,234 headcount.

2010

  • Renovated University Center opens.
  • Dr. Lee Roy and Lucy Mathis Hall opens on the Palestine Campus.
  • UT Tyler’s second president, Dr. George F. Hamm, dies on Oct. 10 in Tyler. He was 79.
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