DECEMBER 12, 2024 — UTSA has been named a 2024 Star Award recipient by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). UTSA was honored for its excellence in digital learning and its ability to create transformative pathways for students pursuing postsecondary education.
“Winning the Star Award underscores UTSA’s commitment to fostering both student and faculty success,” said Melissa Vito, UTSA vice provost for academic innovation. “By equipping faculty with the tools and training they need to thrive in digital learning environments, we are directly enhancing the student experience and preparing graduates to meet the demands of an evolving workforce.”
The award recognizes institutions that demonstrate exceptional contributions to student success and align with the Talent Strong Texas initiative, which seeks to increase postsecondary credential attainment across the state.
UTSA’s recognition comes from its efforts to redefine online education and empower non-traditional learners through innovative academic programs, faculty development and cutting-edge digital tools. These initiatives have driven substantial improvements in student success, including a 65% improvement in online program rankings and a significant reduction in Drop/Fail/Withdraw (DFW) rates across key courses.
The TLDT team provides faculty with a range of digital transformation services.
At the heart of UTSA’s success is its innovative approach to creating academic programs tailored to student and industry needs. UTSA Online offers cutting-edge degrees like the Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Security — ranked among the top five online cybersecurity programs by Forbes in 2024 — and new offerings such as the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Influence. These programs were designed in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure graduates possess the skills required for success in today’s workforce.
More than 75% of UTSA Online students are non-traditional learners balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities. By tailoring its programs to this demographic, UTSA has opened doors for countless students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
Vice Provost for Academic Innovation Melissa Vito discusses the university’s latest honor from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The UTSA Division of Academic Innovation plays a crucial role in supporting faculty and driving digital transformation. Through its Office of Teaching, Learning and Digital Transformation (TLDT) and UTSA Online, the division provides faculty with a range of services, including:
These services enable faculty to create high-quality learning experiences that drive student success and meet UTSA’s rigorous standards for academic excellence.
“UTSA’s approach is truly innovative,” said Marcela Ramirez, associate provost for TLDT. “By fully supporting our faculty every step of the way, we help foster a collaborative culture of student success, academic excellence, innovation and discovery.”
UTSA's delegation was presented with the Star Award during a special reception at the Higher EDge 2024 Leadership Conference on December 12 in Austin, Texas.
UTSA’s recognition with the 2024 Star Award marks another milestone in its commitment to fostering innovation and student success. The university last received the Star Award in 2019 for its resilience and retention academic advising program, which helped students overcome academic challenges and achieve their goals.
“This award highlights UTSA’s role as a leader in higher education,” Vito said. “Our success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our faculty, staff, and students. Together, we’re shaping the future of education and creating new opportunities for Texans to thrive.”
The Star Award was presented during the Higher EDge 2024 Leadership Conference during a special reception on December 12 in Austin, Texas.
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