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Everything’s bigger in Texas — except Tier One

Written by Canh M. Tran, The Shorthorn guest columnist

Tuesday, 23 March 2010 04:19 PM

For a state touting itself as the largest and best in everything it does, Texas lags far behind in higher education.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2008 Texas was home to 24 million residents and has only three Tier One universities: Rice, UT-Austin and Texas A&M.

California, holding 36.8 million residents, has nine and New York, with 19.5 million residents, has seven. Even Pennsylvania, 12.5 million residents, has four Tier One universities.

Adding to this disappointing figure, more than 10,000 Texas high school students leave the state annually to attend out-of-state colleges. However, this could change in the next few decades.

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In November 2009, Texas voters approved Proposition 4, a Texas constitutional amendment allowing seven emerging Texas research universities the opportunity to receive funds towards achieving Tier One status. UTA is one of those seven schools.

All seven universities’ presidents want their institutions to be the fourth Tier One college in Texas, but there is a lack of understanding of the term. Though there is no set definition, generally,

Tier One connotes a university known for its innovative research creating scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, garnering millions of dollars in federal research funds and a high quality faculty and student population. A Tier One institution is lucrative because it stimulates the economy and creates jobs.

According to a 2009 study conducted by The Perryman Group, every $10 million in research expenditures creates 334 new jobs, adds $8.6 million to regional economy and generates $13.5 million in local sales. In the 2008-2009 fiscal year, UTA spent $36 million in research expenditures.

Imagine the economic effects for the Metroplex if UTA earns an extra $20 million in federal money for research.

Achieving this status is easier said than done, but President James Spaniolo is adamant in UTA’s progress toward becoming such an institution. In his Annual Leadership Meeting and Luncheon in September, Spaniolo outlined his strategy on how he plans for UTA to achieve Tier One status by focusing on adding research buildings, recruiting competitive faculty and students, as well as improving downtown Arlington.

UTA is on the right path with recent developments on campus. Using gas royalties that will continue on for the next few decades, UTA has started building a $150 million Engineering Research Complex and a $78 million special events center. Moreover, UTA has used this money to support students with tuition as well as encourage the recruitment of excellent faculty.

As a transfer student from a Tier One university, I expected the same university experience when I arrived in fall 2008. The unique experience I received at the University of Washington was largely due to the fact that it maintains its position as the largest recipient of federal research dollars among public universities.

The biggest differences in my experience at UTA and UW laid in the economic power that UW exercised, which trickled down to more resources, infrastructure and support for the university. Everything affected my experience at UW, from the variety of classes offered, choices in dining, locations to study and do research, housing options, to my choice to study abroad and conduct research with faculty.

I felt as if the possibilities and choices to advance my undergraduate career were endless.

While there are huge advantages attending a Tier One university, at times I felt isolated as a freshman at a university with over 40,000 students. Faculty seemed more concerned with their research than actual instruction. Moreover, many of my lab sections were taught by teaching assistants and graduate students while a majority of my prerequisite and introductory courses were large — one holding over 600 students.

The advantages of Tier One far outweigh the disadvantages. There will be positive, direct and tangible economic effects for the city of Arlington and the greater DFW area if UTA reaches Tier One.

Ray Perryman of The Perryman Group said if four of the seven emerging research universities attain Tier One status by 2035, the Texas economy could reach up to $603.3 billion in total spending per year and 1,289,419 permanent jobs.

Establishing UTA as a Tier One university will be a long term investment, but achieving such a distinction will take time. While UTA is currently seen as a second or third choice college for students, this will change as UTA continues on its goal towards academic excellence. UTA’s mission will be to serve the highest caliber faculty and students while attracting federal research grants and funds to evolve as a national university known for its innovations and scientific discoveries.

As the academic quality of UTA improves, it will be more competitive to gain admission. Texas high school students will consider the college among the other three Tier One institutions rather than attend an out-of-state doctoral granting institution. Texas will retain its best minds.

Texas needs at least four or five more Tier One universities in order to remain competitive in the national and global marketplace. Even if UTA doesn’t achieve this status in the coming decade, it’s a step and risk that should be taken.

— Canh M. Tran is an advertising and journalism senior and guest columnist for The Shorthorn

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