I am pleased to announce the establishment of Extended University (EU), a new administrative unit with responsibility for coordinating and managing academic outreach, off-campus and distance education programming. EU will lead UTEP’s strategic expansion of online and off-campus degree programs and oversee our Military Student Success Center and Office of Professional and Public Programs (P3). Vice Provost Michael Smith will also serve as Dean of Extended University.

Responding to UTEP’s strong commitment to achieve both access and excellence, EU will increase degree completion opportunities for non-traditional learners throughout the El Paso region and beyond via UTEP CONNECT. This new distance education initiative will complement and mirror the excellence of UTEP’s on-campus programs.

With a priority on increased UTEP access for military service members, non-traditional students and adult learners, EU will build on existing programs to increase UTEP’s presence and course offerings at Fort Bliss, and expand the menu of personal enrichment courses, summer youth programs, and customized training for government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

I know we all look forward to working with Mike Smith and EU to leverage the outstanding course and program development work that has already been done and create new learning opportunities for even greater numbers of students as we continue to deliver on UTEP’s access and excellence mission.