We are the Miners, not just in name, but in purpose.

UTEP established a deep-rooted legacy in mining and materials education from its foundation as a university in 1913, creating the core values UTEP Miners hold highly through to modern times: excellence, integrity, innovation and resilience.

The nickname “Miners” reflects UTEP’s original mission: to train engineers and leaders for the mining and materials industries that fueled regional and national growth. Mining engineering shaped the University’s identity for decades. Although the last mining engineering class graduated in 1966, its legacy has endured, woven into UTEP’s culture, mascot and traditions. With the relaunch, UTEP proudly reconnects this historic identity with the future of engineering.