In recognition of its exemplary contributions in advancing student success, The University of Texas at Arlington is one of just six institutions selected for the 2025 Star Awards by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
This year’s awards spotlight institutions demonstrating transformative work across three areas: student success, workforce education and career development and transitions. UT Arlington will be celebrated at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s 2025 Higher EDge conference, “From Classroom to Career: A Future-Ready Texas,” on Dec. 9 in Austin.
UTA’s Mavs RISE initiative is central to the Star Award recognition. Housed within the Division of Student Success, and in partnership with the Division of Enrollment Management, Mavs RISE supports first-year students who are conditionally admitted or who have not yet completed the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The program provides personalized guidance to help students stay on track for academic advancement and success after graduation.
“What distinguishes our approach is a deep institutional commitment to serving the whole student, from enrollment to graduation and beyond,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “We design tailored student success strategies that meet students where they are, provide clear and affordable pathways to degree completion, and foster experiential and career-focused learning throughout the curricular and co-curricular journey.”
Serving more than 970 students this fall, Mavs RISE advisors act as academic advisors, success coaches, career mentors and campus connectors— giving students the guidance and skills to navigate college and prepare for their careers. Students also receive financial literacy support through the Student Money Management Center and career readiness resources through the Career Development Center. Students living on campus can join the Mavs RISE residential learning community, which offers additional support and a sense of community.
“Mavs RISE is an outstanding example of how we are strategically removing barriers to student success by addressing the unique needs of a specific student population,” said Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “I am grateful to our colleagues in the Division of Student Success for their innovative and collaborative efforts to improve student outcomes.”
Mavs RISE has contributed to gains in student retention and academic performance. This fall, student retention among Mavs RISE students is up nearly 7% compared to Fall 2024. Currently, 71% of students are in good academic standing, a 16% increase from last year. Students are also improving their GPAs: 29% now have a GPA above a 3.0, and 34% fall between a 2.0-2.9, increases of 3% and 5%, respectively, compared with 2024.
“UTA helps us ensure that we can engage our faculty and staff to understand our students’ needs and strive for service excellence,” said Ashley Purgason, vice provost for student success. “The Mavs RISE program gives us an opportunity to bring together multiple teams to create a holistic, wrap-around support model for student success.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.