University of Texas at Arlington president to step down

UTA President Jennifer Cowley speaks during the ground-breaking for the new UTA West campus on Thursday, April 3, 2025. She announced she would step down from her role as president on Aug. 31.

Amanda McCoy

amccoy@star-telegram.com

University of Texas at Arlington President Jennifer Cowley announced Monday, Aug. 31, that she would step down from her role to teaching at the university.

Cowley was the first woman to serve as president of the university, a role she has held since 2022. The change is effective immediately.

“As I conclude my service as president, I do so with tremendous gratitude for what we have accomplished together, deep affection for this community, and great optimism for UTA’s future. I will never lose sight of what a privilege it is to help shape the lives of our students,” Cowley said in a statement.

UTA Chancellor John Zerwas said that when he learned of Cowley’s decision, he felt gratitude for her commitment to stay at the university.

Under Cowley’s leadership, UTA has seen record enrollment, with over 42,000 students enrolled during the fall 2025 semester. She also helped in the planning of the UTA West campus, scheduled to open in Fort Worth in 2028.

“The Board of Regents and I have never been more optimistic about the university’s future, thanks in great part to Dr. Cowley’s leadership,” Zerwas said in a statement.

Cowley has previously served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of North Texas. Before her time at UNT, she served in many roles at Ohio State University for over 16 years. Cowley also worked in city planning in Amarillo.

“I am grateful to remain part of the Maverick community. And you’ll still see me walking around campus in our school colors, carrying that Maverick spirit forward,” Cowley said in a statement.

Maven Navarro

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Maven Navarro is a local news reporter at the Star-Telegram. She covers Fort Worth and Tarrant County.