July 10, 2014 4:56 PM

UT System wants $2.7 billion for new facilities

As the fracking boom continues, UT sees demand skyrocket for engineering degrees

Expansion of science and engineering programs across the university system still tops the University of Texas’ wish list for the upcoming legislative session next spring and now we’ve learned fulfilling those wishes could cost a combined $2.7 billion.

Tuition revenue bonds were one item that didn’t make it out of either the regular session or special sessions last year. In a session in which the oil-and-gas industry got its way on new road spending, the higher education community couldn’t make a convincing case to expand engineering programs.

Nowhere did the need seem greater than on the UT-Permian Basin campus, where hydraulic fracking technology has rejuvenated the energy industry. Locals say the economy is the hottest it’s been in decades. Wages there are some of the highest in America. As proof, Schlumberger opened new headquarters in Odessa this week, joining rivals Weatherford International and Halliburton.

UT Permian Basin added engineering degrees in mechanical and petroleum engineering five years ago. At a presentation Thursday morning before two subcommittees of the board of regents, President David Watts expressed confidence that enrollment could be quadrupled with the addition of a new $60 million engineering building.

“In less than five years, engineering has become our most popular major, Watts said. “It’s really quite extraordinary.”

By Kimberly Reeves