To compete nationally, Texas needs research universities

In 2000, Texas set a bold goal for itself: Enroll 630,000 more students in colleges and universities by 2015.

The University of North Texas took on the “Closing the Gaps” challenge and now ranks first in the state for the increased number of degrees awarded — and second in the state for increased total enrollment. We earned a 2008 Texas Higher Education Star Award for our success in getting more students into college and out into the workforce with degrees in hand.

But there is, perhaps, an even more important challenge for Texas, particularly for the Dallas–Fort Worth area. We must create more national research universities to help Texas compete on a national level and to entice corporations eager to invest in the discovery of knowledge that advances our society. These Tier One institutions draw elite students and faculty, account for about half of the nation’s research, and power local economies while jump-starting new industries.

But Texas is operating at a deficit. We are home to the second-largest population in the nation, yet we have only three top research universities (including one that is private) while California has nine and New York has seven.

And none of TexasÂ’ national research universities is located in Dallas-Fort Worth, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country and home to the largest number of 18- to 24-year-olds in the state.

Losing out

Texas is losing dollars and students to out-of-state institutions that offer the incentives and prestige of national research university status. For example, in 2007, Texas universities earned about $1.8 billion in federal research and development funding, half as much as CaliforniaÂ’s universities netted. In fall 2006, the number of entering freshmen who left Texas to attend national research universities in other states was more than twice the number we brought in to our three such institutions, according to Department of Education figures.

We cannot afford to lose any more ground. Dallas and Fort Worth must work together in laying the groundwork for more national research universities in our region. That is why I have banded together with my colleagues at the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas at Arlington to make sure Dallas–Fort Worth is not overlooked as legislators weigh options to help emerging research universities such as ours grow.

This united front is essential because, while the Metroplex can support more than one national research university, it can no longer afford to have none.

I am encouraged by proposed legislation that would create matching-funds programs for scholarships, graduate fellowships and professorships to help universities such as ours become national contenders. The Texas Legislature is showing great leadership and foresight in establishing a framework for emerging research universities to advance. (EditorÂ’s note: The Texas House and Senate have approved bills supporting additional research institutions, but a final bill will be worked out in a conference committee.)

Tapping into potential

Already, UNT is pursuing an aggressive research agenda because we know it will take our own commitment as well as the stateÂ’s support to reach the top echelon.

Last fall, we committed to make a $25 million investment in collaborative research clusters to hire more nationally prominent faculty and to further our reach.

At the same time, we are building new infrastructure, including our new Life Sciences Complex and Business Leadership Building, while upgrading our facilities to create modern environments for research. WeÂ’re transforming our nearly 290-acre research park, Discovery Park, into a technology-and-research incubator to spur important partnerships and new industries for the Metroplex.

These strides prove that UNT is a force to be reckoned with. We are an institution with a 119-year track record of excellence and a rich breadth of research and creative activities that make us the choice of nearly 35,000 students.

We have a dynamic engineering program and emerging strengths in computational chemistry and bio/nano devices. Our core strengths in education, arts, music, business and social sciences have given us strong legs to stand on, and we will continue to nurture those areas even as we build muscle in our science and technology programs.

We offer nearly 250 degree programs and award more than 200 new doctoral degrees each year while producing about 7,000 newly college-educated individuals to bolster the workforce every year.

As an emerging research university, UNT plays a critical role in keeping TexasÂ’ industries and knowledge base vibrant and competitive. With state support to build our research community, I know UNT and TexasÂ’ other emerging research universities can climb to the top rung.

Gretchen M. Bataille is the president of the University of North Texas.