A $250,000 gift from sisters Jana Harris and Jenise Cox is advancing packaging design education in The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Liberal Arts and empowering students to create real-world solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.
The investment establishes the UTA Packaging Program Endowment, which will support lab materials and maintenance, equipment purchases, emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, and student participation in packaging competitions.
In recognition of the gift, UTA has named two spaces in the Department of Art and Art History. The Computer Lab is now the Harris Packaging Design and Innovation Hub, and the Packaging Lab is now the Joe Harris Packaging Production Lab. A ribbon-cutting ceremony last week celebrated the namings, which honor the sisters' late father, Joe Harris ('67 BBA), founder of Harris Packaging Corporation.
"Our goal is to help students gain the skills and experience they need to thrive in the dynamic packaging industry," said Jana Harris ('99 BS, Exercise Science), president, CEO and co-owner of Harris Packaging Corporation and American Carton Company. "As our industry's packaging continues to sustainably be an excellent source of transporting our nation's products to their customers, the need for designers who understand both graphics and structure remains imperative."
The Harris Packaging Design and Innovation Hub serves as the primary instructional space for packaging courses in the Visual Communication Design area. The Joe Harris Packaging Production Lab supports hands-on prototyping and houses a large-format printer and CAD-based cutting table. Both are in the Fine Arts Building.
"We are honored by Jana Harris and Jenise Cox's generosity, which reflects a deep belief in the power of education and creativity," said Elizabeth Newman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. "Their gift ensures that future UTA art and art history Mavericks have the tools, inspiration and spaces to bring bold ideas to life. This moment celebrates not only a revitalized space in the College of Liberal Arts, but also the legacy of alumni giving that fuels student success and innovation."
The Packaging Program introduces students to structural design, materials, sustainability, performance and testing. Students work independently and in teams to solve packaging challenges that address current industry needs.
"We have a strong commitment to investing in the next generation of packaging professionals," said Cox, CFO and co-owner of Harris Packaging Corporation and American Carton Company. "UTA's program is growing, and we're proud to support its continued development."
In 2014, Cox and Harris established the Joe Harris Annual Packaging Scholarship, awarded to outstanding students in the Visual Communication Design area. Through her company and industry connections, Harris previously helped UTA secure equipment and funding—including support from the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation—to enhance the Packaging Program.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
