UTD Global Expands University’s Academic Outreach

UTD Global, a new initiative at The University of Texas at Dallas, is designed to expand the University’s global outreach through online and hybrid platforms that strengthen global partnerships and enhance student pathways to high-quality education.

“The launch of UTD Global marks a transformative step in expanding UT Dallas’ international impact and digital reach,” said Dr. Juan González, dean of graduate education, vice provost for global engagement and the Francis S. Johnson Chair for Graduate Education. “Through innovative online programs, global partnerships and a commitment to academic excellence, UTD Global will open new pathways for students around the world to become part of our vibrant academic community.”

Dr. Poonam Kumar joined UTD on May 1 as director of UTD Global, which is part of the University’s International Center. She will develop and implement innovative digital pre-bachelor’s, pre-master’s and other customized programs to prepare students for campus-based degrees.

“There is a growing demand for education worldwide, especially graduate education,” said Kumar, who was most recently an associate provost for online and continuing education at UT Tyler. “UT Dallas has a very strong brand, which was a major draw to this role for me. We are very well positioned to address the educational needs of a global audience.”

Kumar has worked in public higher education for almost 30 years, with much of that time spent in online education, helping educators determine how best to offer flexible, innovative online or hybrid programs for people who are unable to access campuses.

“Trends are changing, and more people are seeking flexible programs mixing in-person, online or shortened formats,” she said. “Few universities are offering global education, and even fewer at the scale at which UT Dallas is envisioning.

“UT Dallas is already very focused on global outreach. This initiative will allow us to deliver our high-quality learning experiences for a broader audience.”

The program provides an opportunity for students who are unable to be physically present on campus to begin their studies online and later join in person for the full UT Dallas experience.

“Our main goal is to create programs by which UT Dallas will identify those around the globe with high potential to bring to campus to finish their degree programs,” Kumar said. “When they come here, they can already be acclimatized to the UTD experience and comfortable with the technology and the curriculum. It can speed up their degrees.”

Kumar said that, while certain business and engineering academic programs have been identified as early priorities, UTD Global will be working with program directors across the University — depending on faculty and student interest — and expanding as demand arises.

“We want our faculty to know that UTD Global is not meant to be a siloed entity,” she said. “We can help you take your existing programs to a global audience. We want people to see us as a partner and a resource that can help them scale programs to a global level, collaborating with our partners in different countries to bridge the gap and provide a customized education.”

For González, the long-term goal is to offer fully online degree programs to interested students, regardless of their location. UTD Global will work in partnership with Curricular Services, a unit within the Office of the Provost, to add online modalities to existing degree programs and/or to deliver new fully online programs.

“We hope that UTD Global will become a model for global digital education, delivering accessible and high-quality education worldwide,” he said.