Editor’s note: Welcome to On Campus: A roundup of what’s new and notable across Tarrant County’s colleges and universities.
Texas Christian University’s Gary Patterson and the University of Texas at Arlington’s Bruce Collie were named members of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.
Patterson, the Big 12 university’s winningest coach, spent 24 of his 43 coaching years at TCU, including 22 as head coach. The team’s accolades under his leadership include 11 AP Top 25 rankings, ranking number 2 in 2010 and 18 bowl games.
In a news release, TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin said Patterson’s induction was “a well-earned celebration of a legendary career.”
“For more than 20 years, coach Gary Patterson was the force that drove Horned Frog football to championship success,” Pullin said. “We are grateful for his years as head coach and his mentorship to hundreds of student-athletes in Fort Worth, the many thrilling seasons and his lasting contributions to the rise of TCU Athletics.”
Collie, an offensive lineman, is UTA’s first College Football Hall of Fame inductee. The public university cut its football program in 1985. Collie went on to play in the National Football League and won two Super Bowl titles with the San Francisco 49ers.
UTA President Jennifer Cowley congratulated Collie and his family in a news release.
“UT Arlington is so proud to see Bruce inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame,” Cowley said. “This honor reflects an extraordinary career on the field and is a reminder that our alumni have carried this institution to great heights.”
UTA’s online graduate education programs receive honors
UTA’s online master’s degree programs in education are among the best online programs in the country, according to rankings released by U.S. News & World Report this week.
UTA placed eighth among the 323 schools ranked by U.S. News. The college offers eight online master’s level education programs, with focuses on subjects such as literacy, math, science and special education.
Ann Cavallo, the interim dean of UTA’s College of Education, said in a news release that the ranking is a sign of the faculty’s dedication to preparing great teachers.
“Our programs foster the advancement of essential knowledge and skills and incorporate innovative technology applications, ensuring educators are equipped to meet future needs and support student success,” she said.
Texas Wesleyan announces architecture firm for long-term facilities planning
The architecture firm Bennett Partners will lead Texas Wesleyan University’s long-term planning for its facilities, the school announced in a press release.
The plan will examine the school’s current buildings, identify areas for growth and help guide future development.
More than four decades ago, Bennett Partners was the first firm to create an extensive facilities plan for the school.
“Bennett Partners brings deep expertise in higher education and a strong understanding of Fort Worth’s evolving landscape,” President Emily Messer said in the release. “Their work will help ensure our campus continues to support transformative learning experiences for generations to come.”
TCC adopts considerations for next budget
Tarrant County College trustees unanimously adopted considerations that will inform budgeting decisions for fiscal year 2027 during last week’s board meeting.
Some adopted considerations include:
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s tuition freeze for public colleges and universities.
- The Tarrant Appraisal District’s freeze.
- Less property tax revenue due to more exemptions from the Legislature and constitutional amendments.
- Continued use of zero-based budgeting — an approach that justifies every expenditure based on need.
- Continued focus on student success that leads to additional performance-based funding from the state.
- Offsetting costs of student supplies and services by implementing new fees.
McKinnon Rice is the higher education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at mckinnon.rice@fortworthreport.org.
The Fort Worth Report partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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