The University of Texas at Arlington has hired Patrick Wilson as vice provost for online learning and academic innovation. He will lead the Division of Academic Innovation and report to the provost.
Wilson currently serves as executive director of online learning at New Mexico Highlands University, a position he has held since 2019. There, he has led the development of new online degree programs and supported the growth of existing hybrid offerings.
Prior to that, he was associate vice president for the Division of Digital and Distance Education at Tennessee Technological University from 2016 to 2019.
Wilson will assume his new position at UTA on August 1.
"Dr. Wilson understands that innovation and collaboration in online learning are essential to advancing student success, enhancing social mobility and preparing graduates for a dynamic workforce," said Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "I am confident that his expertise in education, academic strategy and finance will help elevate and expand our online academic portfolio."
Wilson's work focuses on the intersection of technology and student success.
"I am particularly drawn to strategies that enhance student engagement and persistence in virtual environments, as well as innovative uses of data to inform institutional decision-making," he said.
He began his career in banking before transitioning to higher education, a shift he credits with giving him a unique perspective on how financial and strategic planning can drive innovation in academic settings.
Wilson was drawn to UTA by the strong alignment between the University's mission and his own professional values.
"UTA's mission and momentum immediately resonated with me," Wilson said "As a university with a strong research profile, a diverse student body, and deep ties to the economic and workforce needs of North Texas, UTA is uniquely positioned to expand the reach and impact of online education. My goal is to position UTA as a national leader in online education—deeply connected to labor market needs and powered by academic innovation."
Wilson holds a Doctor of Education from Pepperdine University, a Master of Business Administration from Regis University and a Bachelor of Science from Christian Brothers University.
UTA serves more than 12,000 online students across a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Rachel Biggs, Office of the Provost
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 41,000, 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.
