The UT System Board of Regents today approved the next phase of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s (UTSA) downtown development initiatives.
While amplifying the cyber security and data science programs in San Pedro I, the new Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Careers (IEC) building, to be known as San Pedro II, will introduce additional interdisciplinary and collaborative programs in business, engineering and sciences to empower students for fulfilling careers through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
The new building is supported by investments of $52,409,972 from State of Texas Tuition Revenue Bond proceeds and $72,000,000 from University of Texas System Permanent University Fund bond proceeds.
“I am grateful for the support provided by the Legislature during its 87th session and to The University of Texas Board of Regents and University of Texas System for providing the funds for this project,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “This investment of over $124 million extends our efforts, launched in 2018, to support national security, cybersecurity, and data sciences here in San Antonio. We continue to drive work force development and job creation in this ecosystem.”
Constructed just across the San Pedro Creek from San Pedro I, which includes the School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center, San Pedro II will leverage opportunities for academic programming and research collaborations among programs in both buildings.
The San Pedro II development project will allow UTSA to draw on the broad opportunities that exist in San Antonio to address the city’s pressing workforce needs, to connect UTSA students with experiential learning and career-engagement opportunities, and to provide training to prepare students for careers in interdisciplinary fields such as cybersecurity, computer and data sciences.
By directly connecting the business community and university students, UTSA expects to spur economic development through internships and career-focused learning that contributes to social and economic mobility for students.
“UTSA is laser-focused on preparing our students for their careers and bold futures. This expansion of our downtown footprint reflects our intentionality in situating our academic offerings and learning experiences in the heart of our city’s business community,” said UTSA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy. “With this new building, we can expand career-focused internships, externships, other hands-on experiences and collaborative projects with our business partners. Employers directly benefit, as well, through first access to talented students, creating mutual opportunities for economic prosperity.”
UTSA has focused on strengthening its downtown presence as a catalyst for bringing more business to the core of downtown and supporting the growth of San Antonio.
“The new building, centrally located in the technology district, will bring new vibrancy to downtown San Antonio,” said UTSA Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs Veronica Salazar. “San Pedro II represents significant growth in downtown development, with Dolorosa Street serving as an important connection between the UTSA Downtown Campus and the new UTSA Southwest Campus.”
An ad hoc planning committee has been charged with the development of detailed programming for the building, including consultation with college deans, program directors, and the Space and Planning Advisory Committee to ensure a robust shared governance process.
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