We can’t wait for you all to meet Maxwell. He’s a sophomore from Forney, Texas, majoring in music education and performance. He’s gonna tell us about the thriving art scene at UT Tyler. Take it away, Maxwell.
– Thanks, Alex, and hey, everyone. I decided that I wanted to study music when I was in high school. My private lesson teacher gave me a list of schools to look at, and UT Tyler was on the list. After looking into the school, I knew that UT Tyler was the one for me. As a music student, my whole life revolves around music. I get to study it in classroom settings as well as perform in ensembles. Our choir, band, and jazz ensembles are open to all students, which is a great opportunity for everyone to experience the joy of making music. I also get to travel to local schools and observe music classes at all grade levels, which gives me inspiration to keep striving towards my goal. Besides music, UT Tyler has a number of visual arts programs as well. Whether it’s painting on a canvas, sculpting with metal or clay, or creating beautiful ceramics, art students learn how to express their creativity across all different mediums. Their work is displayed throughout campus in different buildings and galleries. Fine art is a deeply personal experience, but it’s meant to be shared. Music and visual arts are a mainstay on campus, bringing all different manners of students together. The Cowan Center is our premier performing arts venue. Not only does the school of performing arts put on our performances here, but the community around us uses it too. Guest lectures, Broadway musicals, and even the East Texas Symphony Orchestra take advantage of this wonderful auditorium. Every experience I’ve had at UT Tyler has truly been amazing. I’ve grown and learned so much while there’s still a few more years before I graduate, I’m excited to enjoy all that the university has to offer. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s amazing, Maxwell. Who knew that UT Tyler has such a flourishing music and fine arts community? Amazing. Now we’ve gotta catch a show at the Cohen Center. Thanks again, Maxwell.
Let’s chat with Ayesha, a junior from Pakistan majoring in computer science. She’s got the inside scoop on the R2 research activity here at UT Tyler. You’re up, Ayesha.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for the introduction. I decided to go back to school after a long career break and two kids. Choosing the right school wasn’t easy, but I knew I couldn’t miss this golden opportunity. Returning to school and choosing UT Tyler was the best decision of my life. I’m amazed by the research opportunities UT Tyler offers. This university is home to 27 research centers, $32 million in research expenditures, and is one off 133 universities in the nation recognized as an R2 research university. I was hired as a research assistant as an undergraduate student, which is very common in numerous disciplines. My professor encouraged me to take the initiative. And with his guidance, I wrote a research proposal on AI’s impact on undergraduate students and teaching practices. I recently returned from presenting this research at a conference. The presentation was a success. Now I’m working with my colleagues to turn it into a paper, but that’s not all. I also joined an AI learning cohort led by an amazing professor in the computer science department. I’m learning so much from working professionals in the field. These experiences are not just preparing me for the outside world. They’re shaping my future in ways I never imagined. The support from faculty and peers give me a profound sense of belonging and purpose. Though I’m still learning, I can feel my confidence growing. Uri Tyler is not just a place of education. It’s a nurturing community that is helping me realize my true potential and achieve my dreams. I’m grateful for every opportunity and challenge knowing they’re paving a path for a better future filled with possibilities. That was my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Ayesha, what a story. It is amazing to hear about your work as an undergrad research assistant studying and working with AI. It’s awesome that UT Tyler encourages and supports students to participate in research and internships of all kinds no matter what year you are in. Thanks so much, Ayesha.
All right, let’s hear from Fatima, a senior nursing major from Fort Worth. She’s the perfect person to talk about academics at UT Tyler. Fatima, you’re on.
– Thanks, Alex, for that introduction. Howdy y’all? Since I was a child, I dreamed of being a nurse. In high school, I earned my clinical medical assistant certification, which confirmed my passion for healthcare. The hands-on experience allowed me to connect with patients and truly fall in love with medicine, solidifying my career path in nursing. Coming from a big city like Fort Worth, I wanted to find a school where I felt seen as a student rather than a number. I chose UT Tyler because of its exceptional nursing program, which provides hands-on experiences and a supportive learning environment that prepares students for real world challenges. Smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention and the sense of community on campus is incredible. UT Tyler is a perfect fit for my nursing journey, and it’s not just nursing that’s highly ranked. Engineering business and numerous other programs are regularly recognized with external rankings. With five campuses and eight academic colleges that offer more than 90 powerful degree programs at all levels, UT Tyler is perfect for any student. As Ms. UT Tyler, balancing my responsibilities with the demands of the university’s rigorous nursing program is challenging yet fulfilling. Academics are my top priority, and I spend countless hours studying with my classmates, preparing for exams, and mastering simulations. Outside of the classroom, I serve as a college readiness coach where I help students prepare for their academic journeys. These experiences have made my time at UT Tyler both rewarding and meaningful. After completing my nursing degree at UT Tyler, I plan to pursue my dream of becoming a neuro nurse With dedication, hard work, and the incredible support system that I’ve found here, I believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Fatima. We love hearing about how you’ve always wanted to be a nurse and you went for it. Really impressive stuff. The academics and professors at UT Tyler will definitely help you achieve your goals. Thanks again, Fatima.
Let’s meet the one and only Michaela. Michaela is a graduate student from Brownsboro, Texas and knows all about how UT Tyler prepares students to succeed in their chosen career path. Michaela, the floor is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. I chose the University of Texas at Tyler because it was close to my hometown, but I continued to choose the university because of its exemplary educational opportunities, caring faculty, and beautiful campus. There are so many ways that UT Tyler helps students pre and post-graduation. Each of our colleges and schools has their own career success coach who works one-on-one with the students, preparing them for the workforce. Students can assess their career options, practice interview and networking skills, and prepare their portfolios. Once students feel prepared to jump into the workforce, they can attend our career success conference right here on campus, giving them the opportunity to connect with business professionals and industry leaders. UT Tyler hosts numerous career fairs throughout the year, allowing students to speak and interview with employers hiring in our area and beyond. We have a multitude of on-campus job opportunities as well, from work study positions in marketing, athletics, and enrollment management to positions as college readiness coaches and research assistants. There are so many valuable ways to gain work experience right here at UT Tyler. I currently work as a teaching assistant on campus, leading a freshman English composition course under the mentorship of senior faculty. My post-graduation goal is to teach college English just as I am now, so the opportunity to gain classroom experience and expert mentorship while still taking graduate level classes is invaluable for my career preparedness. When I started my bachelor’s degree here at UT Tyler, I would’ve never imagined I’d be able to finish a master’s degree and gain college teaching experience within just a few short years. With the support of our amazing faculty and effective career prep programs, this opportunity and so many more are available to our students here at UT Tyler. Back to you, Alex.
– Wait, Michaela, you’re telling us that you’re already working in your dream job. Wow, it’s awesome that UT Tyler encourages and supports students to find and pursue their passions starting as early as their first year. It’s incredible. Thanks again, Michaela.
Dylan is a senior at UT Tyler from Henderson, Texas. He’s majoring in communication sciences and disorders, and he’s excited to talk to us about how UT Tyler offers a high quality education and affordable price. Let’s go, Dylan.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, everyone, and welcome to UT Tyler. Being a first generation college student, choosing a university was challenging since I wanted an institution that offered a high quality education at an affordable cost. My parents always recommended attending a school where I wouldn’t have to worry about getting student loans or having to work to pay for my education. Fortunately, UT Tyler is one of the most affordable institutions in the University of Texas system and in the East Texas region. The financial aid services are devoted to providing financial assistance to students with more than 80% of UT Tyler students receiving financial aid. The university provides millions of dollars in merit and need-based scholarships every year. Throughout my time at UT Tyler, I didn’t have to pay tuition or other expenses because of the scholarships I received. The scholarships allowed me to continue my studies and participate in many organizations on campus, including the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. One of the ways UT Tyler provides financial aid to students is through the Patriot Promise Program. There’s also the Honors Scholar Scholarship, which offers $10,000 to honors college students each year. Veterans and military affiliated students can take advantage of individualized support and advocacy through the Military and Veteran Success Center. My time at UT Tyler has been nothing but wonderful experiences and incredible learning opportunities. I’m learning a lot about myself and how to cherish every moment with my friends and the college experience. This university helped me achieve my goals by fully preparing me to become a speech language pathologist in the future. Now back to you Alex.
– Thanks, Dylan. We loved hearing about your background and all the ways UT Tyler makes college affordable to pursue your dreams. You’re a great ambassador for UT Tyler. Thanks again, Dylan.
Okay, everyone, we’re heading over to meet Cohen, a sophomore from Garland, Texas, majoring in pre-pharmacy and general business. Cohen is gonna tell us about the region UT Tyler calls home, East Texas. Cohen, you are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I was in high school, choosing the right college was a huge decision. If I knew that whatever college I chose, I had to feel like I belonged. After I toured the UT Tyler campus for the first time, I knew exactly where I wanted to spend my college career. The community surrounding the university is one of the best things UT Tyler has to offer. The city of Tyler is filled with beautiful scenic spots like the Tyler Steak Park and the Tyler Rose Garden. Downtown also has a lot to offer with beautiful murals, delicious local restaurants, live music, movie theaters, coffee houses, shopping, and historic buildings. Plus, Tyler’s located less than a hundred miles east of Dallas, so it’s not too hard to make a trip to the metroplex. Exploring the city of Tyler and its welcoming community made my first year of college seem less daunting. When it comes to the on-campus community, UT Tyler has one of the best in the state of Texas. The university holds annual school spirit events that are a great place to meet new people and enjoy campus life. It’s super easy to get involved and shape your own college experience. Joining organizations in school and exploring a new city has allowed me to meet more people than I ever thought I would. Here at UT Tyler, I’ve been able to shape my own community in the honors college and branch out in a city and make it feel like home. I know that the connections I forged here will last me a lifetime. Well, that’s my story and I hope to see you all on campus. Back to you, Alex.
– Nice, Cohen. What an incredible place to live. It’s awesome to see how much east Texas has to offer, and we cannot wait to come back and see the Rose Festival. Thanks again for sharing.
All right, y’all, it’s time to meet Whitney. She’s a senior here from Tyler, Texas. She’s a marketing major with a mass communication minor. And as a former homeschool student, she’s excited to talk about the academic support UT Tyler offers. You’re up, Whitney. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When it was time to start looking for colleges, I toured UT Tyler and I immediately knew this was where I wanted to go. I wanted to find a university that would push me academically, but also provide support along the way, and UT Tyler offered both. In every step of my journey at UT Tyler, there have been people and resources to help me. During my freshman year, I found myself a bit overwhelmed with one of my courses, so I went to the tutoring center for help and I ended up making an A in that class. Beyond tutoring, the honors college also creates a community of support for students. I was assigned an upper class student as a mentor to help me adjust to college and to answer questions. My biggest source of support though has come from the faculty here. UT Tyler’s low student-to-faculty ratio provides me the opportunity to really get to know my professors and receive personalized mentorship from them. As I consider potential career paths, professors have asked if I’ve ever considered pursuing a PhD. Several professors have offered to do research with me, help me with my applications, write letters of recommendation, and to make themselves available for questions. It’s amazing having professors so invested in you and who want to help you figure out what comes next. UT Tyler has so many opportunities designed to help students thrive academically and prepare for their future careers. It’s an incredible advantage having so many resources to help you succeed. I know I’m prepared for the next steps, and I’m so grateful to all the people who’ve helped me get here. That’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Whitney, we are so glad to hear that students are supported throughout their entire journey here at UT Tyler. From tutoring to mentorship, you have been supported. Thank you for sharing your story. Great job.
Let’s meet up with Emily, a graduate student from Dallas. She cannot wait to tell us about campus life and all the opportunities for getting involved at UT Tyler. Emily, we have questions and you have answers. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, and welcome on campus, guys. Choosing university can be challenging, especially as a senior in high school unsure what to expect, but I know UT Tyler is where I was meant to be. While UT Tyler has paved the path for my future career, my time outside of the classroom has made a lasting impact on me. I love walking across campus to enjoy the surrounding environment and the atmosphere of the buildings. This 260 acre campus has incredible park-like scenery, including Harvey Lake and Patriot Plaza. But my favorite place on campus is the University Center, a hub for students to eat, study, or meet with one of UT Tyler’s more than a hundred student organizations. For me, Greek Life has been a foundational factor for my experience. As chapter president, I learned leadership and presentation skills, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and more. I encourage everyone to get involved for both personal and professional growth. I also think living on campus completely changes your collegiate experience. I live in one of the eight campus residential communities where I’m able to connect with classmates outside of the classroom. Plus, UT Tyler hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, like homecoming, midnight breakfast, concerts, guest speakers, and more. There’s never a dull moment here on campus. UT Tyler has given me the confidence in who I am and what I’m capable of in this next chapter of life. I’ve connected with professors, held many leadership positions, been awarded several honors, and been deeply affected by the community of the student body. After I graduate, I plan to continue investing in the hard and soft skills that I gained here. I know I’ve been given the tools to succeed here at UT Tyler. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Emily. We cannot believe the number of student organizations UT Tyler has. It sounds like students have a lot of options to choose from, which is incredible. Thanks again, Emily.
Now introducing Daniel. Daniel is a first year medical student from Kaufman, Texas. He’s gonna tell you all about the hands-on learning opportunities UT Tyler has. Let’s go, Daniel.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, howdy, hello. I’ve dreamed of becoming a physician since my senior year of high school. I never thought that I would attend medical school so close to home, but thank God for the University of Texas at Tyler. Because of UT Tyler, my dream is becoming a reality. Hands-on learning is involved in just about everything we do at the school of medicine and throughout UT Tyler. In the first month of our curriculum, we take an EMT course where we apply what we learned in class to a real-life situation. We also do four ambulance ride-alongs and two ER shifts. Here at UT Tyler, we get the opportunity to interact with real patients as early as our first month in school. At other schools, this may not happen until a year and a half into the program. Currently, we’re learning how to take a cardiovascular exam and how to use an ultrasound. We practice our new skills with our simulated patients in the SMILE Center, which stands for Simulation in Medicine and Immersive Learning Experience. Simulation offers medical students the chance to build confidence in a risk-free environment, while hands-on learning bridges theory and practice. This is true in all of UT Tyler’s eight academic colleges and schools. We sharpen our skills, improve clinical judgment, and prepare to make critical decisions under pressure, which is essential in becoming effective, responsive physicians who improve patient outcomes. Interactive learning is a big part of the school of medicine, and our faculty simplifies complex concepts while making it fun too. Whether you’re passionate about nursing, engineering, or business, hands-on learning is integrated into the curriculum. From simulation practice to research and internship opportunities, UT Tyler equips you for your future career. Well, that’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Great job, Daniel. We know you’re gonna be an amazing doctor. All that hands-on experience in the simulation lab is definitely preparing you well for what’s ahead. That was awesome.
Say hello to Jacob, an engineering science graduate from CT State Middlesex. Jacob’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education. CT state Middlesex has not only provided Jacob with opportunities, but has also empowered him to embrace challenges and grow as a student. His journey from a non-traditional background to pursuing engineering at Yukon is truly inspiring. Jacob, tell us how you did it.
– Thanks, Alex, hi, folks. When I first started my collegiate journey, I knew my goal was to gain the skills necessary to leave a positive mark on the world. As a non-traditional student with little to no formal education in my background, CT State Middlesex served as the perfect opportunity to take those first few steps. Because of my non-traditional background, I decided to take responsibility for my future success and adopt a philosophy of saying yes to any opportunity available to me, no matter how small or intimidating. This opened so many doors, it felt like every other week I was asked to participate in a campus project or initiative. The skills I gained through these efforts have proven invaluable. Between the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, student clubs, campus events, work study programs, and internships, there’s no shortage of opportunity here. I know what Middlesex can do for its students because I remember where I started and I know where I stand now. When my time here came to an end, the faculty and staff, many of whom I still consider to be friends and mentors, ensured my transfer process was as smooth as possible. They made sure I joined Yukon School of Engineering equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. If CT State Middlesex has taught me anything, it’s that opportunity is an exponential process. When I first started, I had a little more than a fifth grade education, and now I get to work on some of the most advanced pieces of engineering out there, and I know that in part, I owe CT State to thank for that. Thanks again, Alex, back to you.
– Jacob, your story is an inspiring reminder of how determination and a willingness to embrace opportunities can lead to remarkable growth. CT State has been a pivotal part of your success and it’s clear you’ll continue to make a positive impact in the world. Thank you for sharing your story.