ODESSA, Texas — The University of Texas Permian Basin served about 7,500 students in 2023 as it continues to see growth. The Mesa Building has been around for all 50 years of the university and is beginning a complete renovation project for the first time in its history.
“It’s a good time to be a Falcon," said Dr. Sandra Woodley, president of UTPB.
At UTPB, the Falcons are soaring to new heights.
“This $46 million in the Mesa Building particularly I think is going to be a game changer for the faculty and the staff and the students," Dr. Woodley said. "We deserve to have spaces that are modern and functional and beautiful, and we are excited to provide that through the generosity of the University of Texas System and the State of Texas.”
Construction first began on the Mesa Building back in 1972 and has served West Texans ever since completion.
Fast-forward to 2024, upgrades are on their way.
“All of the classrooms will be updated and they’ll be new classrooms and new classroom technology," Dr. Woodley said. "The one-stop-shop we’ve talked about already – making sure that all of those student services from advising to the financial aid offices to the finance office – all of that is in one place. The career services will be right there where the students need it to be.”
Dr. Woodley expects these efforts to benefit their recruiting.
“The renovations and the modernizing of our facilities helps with that, and great academic programs that are a part of this opportunity for us will allow us to convince those in the Permian Basin that this is the place where you need to go – you’ll get a University of Texas education here and a beautiful functional space and the job will be waiting on you when you graduate here,” said Dr. Woodley.
In the years to come, Falcons will be flying around new opportunities with a campus on the rise.
“We really are growing every single year," Dr. Woodley said. "It’s exciting to see all the new faculty, staff and students, and all the new projects both academically and the technical projects and research and innovation that is going on across our two campuses here at the university. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the university and we’re really thrilled to get started on this next phase.”