The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
A University of Texas System institution, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) provides bachelors' and masters' degrees, and a collaborative doctoral degree with UT-San Antonio. The institution is known for leadership training through the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute as well as research focusing on West Texas industries. A bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering is now being offered, and those students have state-of-the-art laboratories in which to learn.
UTPB's dedication to excellence is paying off as students have experienced tremendous success inside the classroom and beyond. More than 75 percent of pre-med students are accepted into medical programs across the state, and the state teacher certification test has a 99 percent pass rate. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized UTPB for being the first public university in Texas to implement AVID strategies for post-secondary students.
The University continues to expand programs, enrollment, and the campus itself. Freshman and transfer student enrollments are growing. Together with their community college partners, UTPB offers transfer students a Direct Connect opportunity to enroll without any loss of credit. UTPB continues to extend its classroom walls by offering several undergraduate and graduate degrees entirely online, and receives millions of dollars in grants to fund research, education programs, and nuclear engineering education and research.
Students can choose degrees from three schools – the NCATE-accredited School of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Business. Teacher certification, an energy management concentration, and one in entrepreneurship within the management major are also available.
In 2006, the School of Business was accredited by AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Less than one-third of U.S. business schools and only 15 percent of business schools worldwide meet the rigorous standards of AACSB International accreditation. Bachelor of business administration, master of business administration (also MBA-online), and master of professional accountancy degree programs are available.
UTPB is well known statewide for its John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute. The institute's Distinguished Lecture Series brings national political experts and authors to campus to discuss timely issues. The institute also reaches out to area high school and college students to offer leadership training and workshops. UTPB was the first in Texas to offer a multi-disciplinary degree in leadership studies.
The university's Music Program now offers a show choir and numerous instrumental ensembles with scholarship opportunities for student-musicians. The Drama Department stages several productions each year. Student life is active with clubs, organizations including two fraternities, and programs. The Student Program Board presents a wealth of comedians, concerts, events, and entertainers to the community.
Construction is continuing on a state-of-the-art performing arts center with an academic wing midway between Odessa and Midland on the CEED campus. On the main campus, the University is also building a Science and Technology Complex that will house impressive computer and science labs and a Student Activities Center that will include dining space, a fitness center, game and study areas, as well as a child care facility. The UTPB gymnasium complex boasts a new weight training facility, basketball and volleyball courts with new wooden floors, walking and rollerblading trails, a duck pond, and Odessa's largest outdoor heated swimming pool. The campus also includes the impressive Visual Arts Studios and the two-story Library/Lecture Center.