University of Texas at San Antonio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
The University of Texas at San Antonio

Motto	Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis (Latin)
Motto in English	"The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy"
Type	Public research university
Established	June 5, 1969; 56 years ago (1969-06-05)
Parent institution	University of Texas System
Accreditation	SACS
Academic affiliations	ORAU Space-grant
Endowment	$277 million
President	Thomas Taylor Eighmy
Provost	Heather Shipley (interim)
Academic staff	1,432 (2019 Fall)
Administrative staff	2,739 (2017 Fall)
Students	34,742 (2020 Fall)
Undergraduates	27,932 (2019 Fall)
Postgraduates	4,662 (Fall 2019)
Location	San Antonio , Texas , United States 29°35′00″N 98°37′15″W / 29.58333°N 98.62083°W / 29.58333; -98.62083
Campus	Large City, 725 acres (2.93 km2) Downtown: Urban, 18 acres Hemisfair: Urban, 4 acres
Colors	Blue      Orange
Nickname	Roadrunners
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I FBS – The American (AAC)
Mascot	Rowdy the Roadrunner

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public university located in San Antonio, Texas. It is a very large school, with over 34,000 students. UTSA has four campuses that cover more than 758 acres. This makes it the biggest university in San Antonio. It is also the eighth-largest university in Texas based on how many students are enrolled.

UTSA is known for its high level of research. It offers more than 170 different degree programs. These programs are spread across its nine colleges. The university was started in 1969. Since then, it has grown to be the third-largest school in the University of Texas System.

The university's sports teams are called the UTSA Roadrunners. They compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The football team started in 2009. They have played in different conferences over the years.

The Story of UTSA: How It Began

Founding the University (1969-1970s)

UTSA officially began on June 5, 1969. The Texas Legislature passed a bill to create it. Governor Preston Smith signed this bill into law. Frank Lombardino, a politician from San Antonio, was a strong supporter of the university. He is often called the "father of UTSA." Governor Smith even signed the bill on Lombardino's back during a ceremony at the Alamo.

In 1970, Arleigh B. Templeton became UTSA's first president. He served until 1972. The university received a gift of 600 acres of land. This land, in northwest San Antonio, became the main campus. The architects designed the campus to look like an Italian village.

The first students started in September 1973. There were 671 graduate students. Older students joined in 1975, and younger students in 1976. Classes were first held at the Koger Center. In 1975, the Main Campus was finished. At that time, UTSA had 4,433 students. The university started with five colleges.

By 1975, students and leaders discussed the university's colors. Blue was chosen as the third color. It joined the orange and white of the University of Texas System. The John Peace Library opened the next year. It became the main office for the university.

The school's mascot was chosen in 1977. Students voted for either the roadrunner or the armadillo. On December 9, 1977, the roadrunner became UTSA's official mascot.

James W. Wagener became UTSA's third president in 1978. The Alumni Association also started that year. This group helps support the university. The first Fiesta UTSA was held in April 1978. It was a fun event with music and dancing. By the end of the 1970s, UTSA had 9,400 students.

Growing Stronger (1980s-1999)

The Paisano, UTSA's student newspaper, started in 1981. It was the first independent student newspaper in Texas. In the fall of 1981, UTSA began playing college sports. It quickly joined NCAA Division I. In 1983, a time capsule was buried for the university's 10th anniversary. It is set to be opened on June 5, 2023.

In 1986, UTSA gained the Institute of Texan Cultures. This center teaches about the different cultures in Texas. Also in 1986, the University Center and Chisholm Hall opened. Chisholm Hall was the first place for students to live on campus.

In 1994, the U.S. Department of Education recognized UTSA. They called it a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This means it has a large number of Hispanic students.

The University Center grew a lot in the late 1990s. A new part, called "UC Phase II," opened in 1995. It added a new auditorium and bookstore. The Downtown Campus opened its permanent location in 1997.

Ricardo Romo became UTSA's fifth president in 1999. He had big plans to expand UTSA. He wanted to make it bigger and better academically. During his time, student enrollment grew by 68%. Many new programs and buildings were added.

Big Expansion and Growth (2000-2010)

In the 2000s, UTSA worked to become a more famous and selective university. A "Master Plan" was made in 2007. This plan guided the university's future growth. The "UTSA 2016" plan aimed to make UTSA a "premier research institution" by 2016.

From 2006 to 2009, UTSA built many new facilities. Over $250 million was spent on construction. The $84 million Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering (BSE) Building opened in 2006. Older buildings like the John Peace Library were also updated. The $83 million Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) building opened in 2009. A year later, the AET Library opened. It was the first college library in the nation with no physical books.

In November 2009, Texas voters passed Proposition 4. This law helped 7 growing research universities in Texas, including UTSA. It allowed them to get more state money. This money helps them become top-tier research schools.

Modern University (2011-Present)

In Fall 2013, 60% of first-time college students were accepted. This shows that UTSA is a selective school. By 2010, the university had 30,000 students. This was a 39% growth in ten years. UTSA was one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas.

In 2011, the North Paseo Building opened. It houses ROTC operations. The Bauerle Road Garage, a large parking building, opened in 2012. Dining options on campus also expanded.

In 2011, UTSA started its football team. Larry Coker was the first head coach. Today, UTSA has nearly 150,000 alumni. It has 17 sports teams and over 1,200 professors. In 2012, UTSA joined the Western Athletic Conference. A year later, it moved to Conference USA. An athletic complex called "Park West" was built. It added 125 acres to the university's land.

Ricardo Romo resigned as president in 2017. Thomas Taylor Eighmy became UTSA's sixth president on September 1, 2017.

In 2017, UTSA announced its largest construction project ever. A $95 million Science and Engineering Building opened in Fall 2020. In 2018, UTSA received a $15 million gift from Graham Weston. The University of Texas System also committed $70 million. This money was for two new buildings at the Downtown Campus. These buildings are for a National Security Collaboration Center and a School of Data Science. They opened in January 2023. The School of Data Science is the first of its kind in Texas.

On June 29, 2021, UTSA announced a big change. The College of Engineering and the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning combined. They formed the new College of Engineering and Integrated Design (CEID). This new college officially started on September 1, 2021. Soon after, UTSA also acquired the Southwest School of Art. This art school became part of UTSA's College of Liberal and Fine Arts. This expanded UTSA's presence in San Antonio.

UTSA Campuses

Main Campus: The Heart of UTSA

The Main Campus is the oldest and largest of UTSA's campuses. It started with a 600-acre land donation. When it first opened in 1975, some people thought it was too far from the city. They even called it "University of Texas at Boerne." Before 1975, classes were held at the Koger Center. Roadrunner Cafe, the first dining hall, was built in 2005.

In 2006, UTSA bought another 125 acres on Hausman Road. This land is for the future athletics complex. This brought the Main Campus to 725 acres. Until 2009, it was called the "1604 Campus." Then it was renamed the "Main Campus" to show its importance. Students can live in one of six housing complexes on campus. These include Chisholm Hall and Chaparral Village.

In 2014, the "New" North Paseo building (NPB) was finished. It has labs and classrooms for Computer Science and Cyber Security. The NPB also houses important security centers. The UTSA Master Plan guides the future of the Main Campus. It plans to add more academic buildings and student facilities. It also aims to create a college town feel.

Downtown Campus: City Learning

The Downtown Campus is in Downtown San Antonio. It is home to parts of the College of Engineering and Integrated Design. It also houses the College for Health, Community and Policy, and the College of Education and Human Development. Many of UTSA's community centers are also here.

Construction for the Downtown Campus began in 1993. While it was being built, classes were held at Cypress Tower. The permanent location opened in 1997. Today, the Downtown Campus has four buildings. It also has a library and parking for over 2,200 cars. It covers more than 18 acres. A new bus line, VIA Primo, opened in 2012. It helps students travel between the Main Campus and Downtown Campus quickly.

In 2018, UTSA President Eighmy announced a big plan for the Downtown Campus. It includes a $15 million gift for a new School of Data Science. The City of San Antonio and Bexar County also gave land to the university. This land is for the new school and a National Security Collaboration Center. It will also help expand the UTSA College of Business.

Hemisfair Campus: Celebrating Texas Culture

The Hemisfair Campus is also in Downtown San Antonio. It is home to the Institute of Texan Cultures. This institute is 182,000 square feet. It hosts the Texas Folklife Festival every year. This festival celebrates the many cultures of Texas.

The Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) was built for HemisFair '68. Its goal was to teach about Texas history and its diverse people. After the world's fair, it became part of UTSA in 1986. It is a valuable place for historical research. It holds UTSA's archives and a huge collection of historic photos. In 2010, the ITC partnered with the Smithsonian Institution. This partnership gives the institute access to many resources.

On April 3, 2024, it was announced that the Institute of Texan Cultures would close by May 2024. The museum will temporarily operate from the Frost Tower starting in early 2025.

Park West Campus: Sports and Health

The Park West Campus is about 2 miles west of the Main Campus. This 125-acre campus is where the UTSA Roadrunners soccer and track-and-field teams play. It also hosts community sports events. A new health facility is being built here. It will offer services for student-athletes. This center will also help with sports medicine research and education.

Southwest Campus: An Artistic Oasis

The Southwest Campus is located on the San Antonio River in downtown San Antonio. It is known as an "urban oasis." This campus has been a place of learning for over 165 years. It was originally the Ursuline Convent and Academy, which opened in 1851. Now, it is home to part of the UTSA School of Art.

Academics at UTSA

UTSA has nine colleges. They offer many different degree programs. Students can choose from 66 bachelor's degrees, 68 master's degrees, and 25 doctoral degrees. All programs are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The UTSA College of Business is also approved by a special business school group.

The College of Sciences works with other research places in San Antonio. These include Southwest Research Institute and UT Health-San Antonio. Since 2005, UTSA and Southwest Research Institute have a joint program. It focuses on space physics.

UTSA has special recognition from the National Security Agency. It is one of the few universities to hold three National Center of Excellence designations. These are for cybersecurity operations, research, and defense.

UTSA is a Hispanic-serving institution. In 2020, it received the Seal of Excelencia. This award recognizes schools that help Hispanic students succeed. UTSA is one of only 14 colleges nationwide with this honor.

UTSA students and alumni have won many important scholarships. These include the Ford Foundation Fellowship and the Fulbright scholarship. In 2021, UTSA was the only Texas university to win four Barry Goldwater Scholars awards. This put it alongside schools like Harvard University.

In 2018, UTSA started the Human Health Initiative. This led to the creation of the College for Health, Community and Policy in 2019. This new college focuses on improving human health. By Fall 2019, the graduation rate for UTSA students reached 50.8%.

UTSA is also recognized as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) University. This means it helps with innovation and economic growth in its community.

UTSA Colleges

University Rankings

U.S. university rankings
ARWU World	501-600
THES World	501-600
USNWR National University	280 (tie)
Washington Monthly National University	107
Forbes	356

U.S. News & World Report ranks UTSA among national universities. These schools have many undergraduate and graduate programs. They also do a lot of research. In 2024, UTSA was ranked 280 among national universities. It was 151 among public universities in the U.S. It also ranked high for social mobility and innovation.

Times Higher Education has recognized UTSA many times. They named it one of the best universities under 50 years old.

In 2014, UTSA was ranked the top Cybersecurity program in the nation. This was based on a survey of security professionals. By 2016, UTSA's cybersecurity graduate programs were among the top two in the nation. Only Carnegie Mellon University was ranked higher.

In 2019, UTSA was ranked the 2nd safest university in Texas. It was the 30th safest in the United States.

Intelligent.com ranked UTSA's online cybersecurity degree program 15th overall in the nation in 2020. It was also ranked first for student academic support.

CEO Magazine ranked UTSA's Executive M.B.A. program 8th globally in 2020. The College of Architecture, Construction and Planning ranks second in the nation for degrees awarded to Hispanic students.

In 2023, UTSA online programs ranked 85th by US News and World Report. This made it the top online program in San Antonio.

The Princeton Review also featured The Alvarez College of Business MBA program. They called it a "best on-campus MBA."

Research at UTSA

The University of Texas at San Antonio is known for its "Very High Research Activity." It is also a "Texas Tier One" institution. This means it is a top research university in Texas. In 2021, UTSA reached a new record for research spending.

UTSA students and professors do advanced research in many areas. These include Advanced Materials, Cloud Computing, and Cyber Security. They also study Integrative Biomedicine and Sustainable Communities. UTSA has 33 research centers and institutes. It is also part of the National Academies' Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable.

The Center for Archaeological Research at UTSA studied the old Hot Wells hotel in 1984. They found only parts of the old buildings remained. In 2015, work began to restore Hot Wells.

In 2007, a study showed UTSA was ranked fifth among large research universities in Texas. This was for how much research professors published. UTSA publishes "Discovery," a magazine about its research achievements.

In April 2014, UTSA partnered with Microsoft. They work together to research ways to make data centers more energy-efficient.

UTSA is home to the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory. It is also part of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). This group operates top astronomy observatories for NASA and NSF.

The UTSA Center for Advanced Measurements in Extreme Environments (CAMEE) works with NASA. They research in harsh environments. They also study conditions at very high speeds.

The U.S. Department of Energy chose UTSA to lead the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII). This institute focuses on energy efficiency and job creation. It also works on securing supply chains for things like electric vehicles.

Special Programs

FAME Program

In 2013, UTSA started the Facilitated Acceptance to Medical Education (FAME) program. This is a fast-track medical program for high school seniors. Students in this program complete their undergraduate studies at UTSA in three years. Then, they go on to UT Health-San Antonio for medical school.

Bold Promise Program

In December 2019, UTSA launched the Bold Promise program. This program helps students from middle and low-income Texas families. If they qualify, their tuition and fees are fully covered for eight semesters. This is paid for by scholarships and grants.

UTSA Top Scholar Program

The UTSA Top Scholar program started in Fall 2013. It is a special program for high-achieving students. It offers a four-year scholarship. It also provides unique experiences in academics, leadership, and service. This includes a chance to study abroad.

Dual Degree in AI and Medicine

UTSA offers a unique dual degree program. It is the first in the U.S. to combine medicine and artificial intelligence. Medical students spend four years at UT Health SA Long School of Medicine. Then, they spend one year at UTSA. They earn both a medical doctor degree and a master's degree in artificial intelligence.

Student Life at UTSA

Student Body Makeup (May 2, 2022)

Race and ethnicity	Total
Hispanic	59%	59
White	21%	21
Black	8%	8
Asian	6%	6
Other	4%	4
Foreign national	1%	1
Economic diversity
Low-income	46%	46
Affluent	54%	54

UTSA has 350 student organizations. Some of these groups receive funding from the university. These are the only groups allowed to use "UTSA" in their name.

Beaks Up Speak Up is a group that teaches students how to be active bystanders. They help students recognize potential harm and act to help others. They offer workshops on topics that affect student well-being.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is the largest student program board. They organize big events like Best Fest and Fiesta UTSA. They also plan many homecoming activities.

The College Democrats and College Republicans groups started in the late 1970s. These groups have invited important public figures to campus.

Where Students Live

UTSA offers several places for students to live on campus:

• Alvarez Hall ("Alvarez"): This is a four-story residence hall. It opened in Fall 2013 and houses 618 students. It is near the Convocation Center. Students can join "special interest communities" here. These include groups for engineering or honors students.
• Blanco Hall: This new residence hall is for first-year students and sophomores. It is expected to open in June 2025. Blanco Hall will house 594 students. It will be located next to Chisholm Hall.
• Chaparral Village ("Chap"): These are apartment-style suites. They have private bedrooms and furnished living rooms. They can house 1,000 students. Amenities include utilities, internet, and a swimming pool.
• Chisholm Hall ("Chisholm"): This is the oldest housing complex on campus. It opened in 1986. It is a four-story dorm for about 500 students. It has an activity center and study lounges.
• Guadalupe Hall ("Guad"): This four-story residence hall opened in Fall 2021. It is designed for honors students. Besides dorm rooms, it has study spaces and laundry facilities.
• Laurel Village ("Laurel")': This complex opened in 2008 and houses 678 students. It is similar to Chaparral Village. Residents can use Chap's pool and picnic areas. Laurel offers year-round leasing.
• University Oaks ("U Oaks" or "the Oaks"): These are apartments with different bedroom options. They are the second-oldest housing complex. Amenities include utilities, internet, and access to activity centers. University Oaks houses about 1,400 students.

Student Groups (Greek Life)

Greek life at UTSA started in 1977. It is managed by four main groups. These include the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council.

ROTC Programs

UTSA has one of the largest Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs in the United States. Its Air Force ROTC program is the seventh largest in the nation. In 2009, the Air Force ROTC group won a top award. They ranked first in their region for producing the most Air Force second lieutenants.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official voice of the students. It was first called the "Student Representative Assembly" in 1976. The SGA has officers and committees, similar to the U.S. government. They host the University Life Awards to celebrate student leadership. All students are considered members of SGA.

The SGA has achieved many things. They helped choose the university mascot in 1977. They also pushed for building a university center in 1979. They started the first Fiesta UTSA in 1980.

The Paisano Newspaper

The Paisano is UTSA's student-run newspaper. It has been fully independent since it started in 1981. It has won many awards. The Paisano is the oldest independent college student newspaper in Texas. It is one of only about a dozen such newspapers in the country.

UTSA Traditions

The official colors of UTSA are blue and orange. The University of Texas System colors are orange and white. Blue was added for UTSA's athletic and other activities.

The Greater Roadrunner bird was chosen as the UTSA mascot in 1977. It represents the Texas Hill Country. "Rowdy the Roadrunner" attends many university events and games. In 2008, UTSA Athletics updated its logos. This was to make them different from other bird mascots.

Class Ring Ceremony

The night before class ring ceremonies, the UTSA rings are placed inside the Alamo. This tradition started in 2012. It helps build a sense of history and connection for students.

Best Fest and Fiesta UTSA

Fiesta UTSA is an annual event held in April. It began in 1978. The first Fiesta UTSA had over 1,000 students. It included music, contests, and other fun activities. Fiesta UTSA became the kickoff event for Fiesta San Antonio in 1980. In 2022, students renamed Fiesta UTSA to Día en la Sombrilla.

Best Fest is an annual celebration in October. It started in 1978. It was a "salute to five of the state's outstanding festivals." Student groups create decorated golf carts for a parade. This parade has been part of homecoming since 1993.

Birds Up Hand Sign

The "Birds Up" hand sign started in 1979. To make the sign, make a fist with your palm facing away. Then, extend your pinky finger and thumb. The thumb is the roadrunner's head, and the pinky is its tail.

Homecoming Celebrations

Homecoming at UTSA has many traditions. One popular event is the Golf Cart Parade. Student groups decorate golf carts based on the homecoming theme. This parade is an official part of the ceremonies.

University Life Awards

The University Life Awards (ULAs) is an award ceremony. It is sponsored by the Student Government Association. It recognizes students, groups, professors, and staff. These are people who have made a big difference at UTSA. It is known as the university's oldest tradition. Awards include "Most Outstanding Student" and "Golden Feather Award."

UTSA Athletics

UTSA is San Antonio's only NCAA Division I FBS school. It is a member of The American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Roadrunners compete in 17 different sports. These include baseball, basketball, football, and soccer.

The university has hosted 17 NCAA Division I Championships since 1997. This includes four men's and two women's Final Fours in basketball. UTSA has won over 70 conference championships. They have also made more than 50 NCAA postseason appearances. The home for basketball and volleyball teams is the Convocation Center. The Park West Athletics Complex opened in 2013. It is home to the soccer and track & field programs.

UTSA has a rivalry with Texas State University. This is known as the I-35 Rivalry. The schools are about 50 miles apart. They were conference rivals for many years. Even though they are now in different conferences, both universities want to keep the football rivalry going.

In 2019, UTSA became the first university to use the Tracy Rule. This rule is about serious misconduct by student-athletes. It makes sure that athletes who have committed serious offenses cannot play for UTSA.

Roadrunners Football

Football has always been a big topic at UTSA. In 1971, the president said the university would not have a football team. He said, "When we do begin playing football we will be playing the best competition available." In 2007, students voted to double the athletics fee. This helped bring the football program to UTSA in Fall 2011.

The football team plays its home games at the 65,000-seat Alamodome in Downtown San Antonio. UTSA won its first football game on September 3, 2011. Over 56,000 fans attended. This set an NCAA record for the most-attended first game for a new program. The Roadrunners also broke the attendance record for an inaugural season. They averaged over 35,000 fans per game. UTSA now plays in The American Athletic Conference (AAC).

Famous UTSA Alumni

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  ESPN co-host and sports broadcaster Michelle Beadle

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  NBA Player and 2005 Champion with the San Antonio Spurs Devin Brown

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  Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Monica De La Cruz

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  American journalist and former co-host of Extra Dayna Devon

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  10th President of Carnegie Mellon University Farnam Jahanian

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  NFL Tight End David Morgan II, UTSA's first NFL Draft Pick

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  Former Mayor of San Antonio, Texas Howard W. Peak

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  Lt General of the U.S. Air Force Anthony J. Rock

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  Grammy Award nominee and music award recipient Travis Scott

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  Major General of the U.S. Air Force Sarah E. Zabel

Images for kids

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  Sombrilla Plaza, a key part of the Main Campus design.

See also

• UTSA Roadrunners
• Hispanic-serving institution
• Minority-serving institution