The University of Texas at Arlington graduated more African American undergraduate and master’s students than any other university in the state, according to a list released by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Magazine.
Jason Shelton, director of UTA’s Center for African American Studies, said the accomplishment could help encourage more students of color to attend college and achieve a degree. The university ranked 17th nationally.
“It’s maybe hard for some folks to understand, but when you see someone who looks like you do something, it makes you think, ‘Wow, I can do that, too,’” Shelton said.
Copenhagen Elliot, a recent graduate, said the university has resources for students of color and first generation students that he believes helped it achieve its graduation rate.
“They have a multitude of resources for students, like a mentor I had matched through the Center for African American Studies,” Elliot said.
Elliot, who studied finance and accounting, works for GM Finance in Arlington.
He said before he got involved with the Center for African American Studies he was inactive on campus. After getting involved, he became a UTA Ambassador, ran for Mr. UTA, worked for the Multicultural Affairs Office and acted as spokesman for the campus’ Black History Month events.
Shelton said the success is because of the environment UTA offers for minority students.
“UTA is a place that is welcoming to people of color to come and make their way to make their American dreams happen,” Shelton said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to be at a school that graduates more African American students than any other school in the state of Texas.”
This story was originally published February 14, 2020 4:43 PM.