UTEP’s president touts partnerships in State of the University address

EL PASO, Texas -- The University of Texas at El Paso President Heather Wilson delivered the annual State of the University address Tuesday afternoon during the 2021 Fall Convocation ceremony.

In her address to UTEP faculty, staff and students, as well as community stakeholders, Wilson spoke about the university’s accomplishments during the past year and its upcoming goals.

Among the areas of strength she highlighted was UTEP's partnerships.

"Last month UTEP signed and agreement with the U.S. Space Force - to become one of only 11 members of their university partnership program. And one of only two in the state of Texas. We will build on this," she said.

Wilson also detailed strong fundraising, a record number of sponsored research projects and healthy student engagement during her address.

“This was an important year for advancement, even in a pandemic. We have restructured development and strengthened it to support our mission,” Wilson said. “It’s already starting to show results … Last year was one of the top three fundraising years in the history of UTEP – and possibly the top fundraising year ever.”

She indicated that UTEP's endowment had reached $315 million, with a record $26 million raised in 2020-21.

Wilson is UTEP's 11th president, having recently crossed the two-year mark in that role. She's served in higher education, government, the military and private industry.

You can watch her entire State of the University address, as well as the presentation of the President’s 2021 Meritorious Service Awards recognizing and honoring outstanding achievement by staff and faculty members, in the video player below.