Government Market News StaffProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is Jennifer Cowley, Ph.D., president of The University of Texas at Arlington.
My public career highlights and education: I’ve been UTA’s president since 2022 as well as a professor of public affairs and planning. I previously held leadership positions at the University of North Texas and Ohio State University and in city government in Amarillo and College Station. I have a Ph.D. in urban and regional science, a master’s degree in urban planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science—all from Texas A&M. I also have master’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies and public administration from UNT.
What I like best about public service: I love seeing firsthand how it can transform lives—something I experience every day at UTA. We directly impact the lives of our students, empowering them to succeed and contribute to our communities. Our university is a catalyst for economic growth and a hub of groundbreaking research, and being part of that work feels like a calling.
The best advice I’ve received: Find colleagues who lift you up and support you. When I was early in my career as a faculty member, a mentor told me she believed I had what it took to be a university president. At the time, I was just focused on my research and being an effective teacher. But she planted a seed that took root.
One thing I wish more people knew about The University of Texas at Arlington: University research has been pivotal in driving scientific and medical breakthroughs over the past 75 years, from lifesaving treatments to groundbreaking technologies. Federal and state funding have played crucial roles in supporting this research, which strengthens our nation’s health, economy and global competitiveness. Our universities are laboratories of innovation, and it’s critical we keep supporting them.
A project or initiative we’re currently working on is: We are breaking ground this year on a new campus in west Fort Worth, UTA West, that will serve as a significant investment in the future talent and workforce of one of the fastest-growing parts of Texas. Major employers are moving in right down the road. Having a high-quality UTA education in close proximity is a key contributing factor for companies deciding to call Fort Worth home.
People might be interested to know that: This job has brought me full circle. I grew up in Arlington and graduated from a high school about seven miles from campus. I went to orchestra camp and took summer classes at UTA when I was a kid. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be president of my hometown university.
