University of Texas of the Permian Basin

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) is a state university located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. Its official fall 2010 enrollment was 4,063 and projected fall 2013 enrollment is 5,073. The university faces rapid growth as a result of the oil boom currently ongoing in the Permian Basin.

History

Beginning years

Among those who pushed for the establishment of UTPB was the oil industrialist Bill Noël, who with his wife, Ellen Witwer Noël, became major philanthropists of the institution.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin began in 1973 with only junior, senior, and graduate-level programs. There were 1,011 students when the school opened. The institution permitted student input in the interviews of prospective faculty, and student recommendations were considered when additional faculty were hired.

According to legend, a rivalry with Odessa College (OC) got underway from the very beginning, when OC students taunted the UTPB students that they were too old to produce a streaker. A student finally agreed, and with only his head covered, streaked across the campus. It was a planned media event as all three television stations were present as was most of the faculty and administration including the University President, Dr. Armstead. The student jumped from the side door of a Volkswagen campmobile and ran to the crowd and camera. He then turned left and ran past the berms and out the back of the small courtyard. This was all done to great cheers. He escaped by jumping back into the Volkswagen which drove off unimpeded.