EL PASO, Texas (Feb. 19, 2026) – Today The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved $65 million in permanent university funds for the creation of a new Student Success Center at The University of Texas at El Paso.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved $65 million in permanent university funds for the creation of a new Student Success Center at UTEP. The building will replace the aging El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center, bringing modernized food service and event spaces, as well as centralizing student support services.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved $65 million in permanent university funds for the creation of a new Student Success Center at UTEP. The building will replace the aging El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center, bringing modernized food service and event spaces, as well as centralizing student support services.

The building will replace the aging El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center.  In addition to having modernized food service and event spaces on the ground floor, the new building will bring a range of student-centered benefits together in one place, including Counseling and Psychological Services, the University Career Center, the Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS) and the Military Student Success Center. 

“This new building will create a much-needed student support services hub on the west side of campus while also modernizing food service and event space,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We are grateful to the Regents for recognizing and continuing to support the revitalization of our campus. And to our students: Don’t worry, we will still have Chick-fil-A!”

The new building will likely have two primary floors for student services, eateries and events spaces. The design will be consistent with the Bhutanese inspired architecture of the campus.

“This building will align with best practices that show that integrated service environments foster greater student engagement, retention and satisfaction,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D. “Students often need to navigate multiple support systems simultaneously — mental health, career planning, academic accommodations — and having these services in one location supports persistence to degree completion.”

In September 2024, UTEP students voted in favor of an increase in student union fees to replace Union West and renovate Union East. Miners requested a more modern, accessible, student-centered facility that provides space for student engagement, activities and events.

As part of the upgrades to the Union, several departments that are currently located there will be moved to the new Student Success Center. 

“The new Student Success Center will allow us to expand spaces of high priority for student life in the new and revitalized Student Union,” said Wilson. 

The Student Success Center is expected to open in 2031.

Last Updated on February 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published February 19, 2026

By MC Staff
UTEP Marketing and Communications