This year, 2023, marks an important year for the University of Texas Permian Basin — its 50th anniversary.
Officials detail an opportunity to reflect on the past and share the exciting things on the horizon. For half a century, UT Permian Basin has been an invaluable pillar of education, innovation, and community in West Texas, a news release stated.
“This is an exciting time not only for our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also the community we serve,” UTPB President Sandra Woodley said. “As we celebrate the impact that our university has on our region, we are laser focused on what’s to come. I’m looking forward to this year-long 50th anniversary celebration, and I hope that our community will join us for all the events we have planned!”
UT Permian Basin has launched a special website where you can learn about upcoming events, stories that highlight the faces that make-up UTPB, the history of the university, and how you can share the impact this university has had on you. They encourage everyone to visit utpb.edu/50 and #FlyWithUs.
Upcoming 50th anniversary community events:
>> 50th Anniversary kick-off and pep rally– Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. at UTPB Gym
>> Scholarship Ball – Oct. 26, tickets can be purchased at utpb.edu/scholarship ball
>> Homecoming parade– Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., UTPB campus circle
>> Free Aaron Watson Concert, bonfire and fireworks – Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Kirk Field
>> Veteran’s Day ceremony – Nov. 9 at 8 a.m., UTPB Gym
>> Celebration on the Quad – Dec. 1
>> Distinguished Lecture Series – Feb. 4
>> Celebrating UTPB’s Impact: Gallery Event – April 11
>> State of the University Presented by Southwest Bank – September 2024
UT Permian Basin began as an experiment. In 1969, the Texas Legislature decided to create an “upper-level” university in Odessa—i.e., a college that accepted only juniors, seniors, and graduate students. On Sept. 4, 1973, the university opened for classes. Construction on the Mesa Building wasn’t complete, so the 1,112 students in that first class studied in temporary buildings and trailers. It would take another year before UT Permian Basin’s permanent facilities were complete.
Fast forward 18 years and the Texas Legislature passed a bill that turned the school into a four-year institution. The first freshman class — known in campus lore as the Pioneer Freshmen — joined in the fall of 1991. Today, UTPB serves more than 7,000 students each year.
