Editor\u2019s note: Welcome to On Campus: A roundup of what\u2019s new and notable across Tarrant County\u2019s colleges and universities.<\/p>\n
Texas Christian University\u2019s Gary Patterson and the University of Texas at Arlington\u2019s Bruce Collie were named members of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.<\/p>\n
Patterson, the Big 12 university\u2019s winningest coach, spent 24 of his 43 coaching years at TCU, including 22 as head coach. The team\u2019s accolades under his leadership include 11 AP Top 25 rankings, ranking number 2 in 2010 and 18 bowl games.<\/p>\n
In a news release, TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin said Patterson\u2019s induction was \u201ca well-earned celebration of a legendary career.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor more than 20 years, coach Gary Patterson was the force that drove Horned Frog football to championship success,\u201d Pullin said. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Collie, an offensive lineman, is UTA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
UTA President Jennifer Cowley congratulated Collie and his family in a news release<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cUT Arlington is so proud to see Bruce inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame,\u201d Cowley said. \u201cThis honor reflects an extraordinary career on the field and is a reminder that our alumni have carried this institution to great heights.\u201d<\/p>\n UTA\u2019s online graduate education programs receive honors<\/p>\n UTA\u2019s online master\u2019s degree programs in education are among the best online programs in the country, according to rankings<\/a> released by U.S. News & World Report this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n UTA placed eighth among the 323 schools ranked by U.S. News. The college offers eight online master\u2019s level education programs<\/a>, with focuses on subjects such as literacy, math, science and special education.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ann Cavallo, the interim dean of UTA\u2019s College of Education, said in a news release<\/a> that the ranking is a sign of the faculty\u2019s dedication to preparing great teachers.<\/p>\n \u201cOur 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Texas Wesleyan announces architecture firm for long-term facilities planning<\/p>\n The architecture firm Bennett Partners will lead Texas Wesleyan University\u2019s long-term planning for its facilities, the school announced in a press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n The plan will examine the school\u2019s current buildings, identify areas for growth and help guide future development.<\/p>\n More than four decades ago, Bennett Partners was the first firm to create an extensive facilities plan for the school.<\/p>\n \u201cBennett Partners brings deep expertise in higher education and a strong understanding of Fort Worth\u2019s evolving landscape,\u201d President Emily Messer said in the release. \u201cTheir work will help ensure our campus continues to support transformative learning experiences for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n TCC adopts considerations for next budget\u00a0<\/p>\n Tarrant County College trustees unanimously adopted considerations that will inform budgeting decisions for fiscal year 2027 during last week\u2019s board meeting.<\/p>\n Some adopted considerations include:\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas Gov. Greg Abbott\u2019s tuition freeze for public colleges and universities. McKinnon Rice is the higher education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at mckinnon.rice@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Fort Worth Report partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.<\/p>\n
\nThe Tarrant Appraisal District\u2019s freeze.
\nLess property tax revenue due to more exemptions from the Legislature and constitutional amendments.
\nContinued use of zero-based budgeting \u2014 an approach that justifies every expenditure based on need.
\nContinued focus on student success that leads to additional performance-based funding from the state.
\nOffsetting costs of student supplies and services by implementing new fees.<\/p>\n