UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

New Palestine Innovation Academy Building to Open Fall 2019

June 7, 2018

The University of Texas at Tyler released details this week about the new Palestine Innovation Academy scheduled to open no later than fall 2019.

"We remain committed to advancing the quality of K-12 education throughout East Texas," said Dr. Amir Mirmiran, UT Tyler provost and vice president for academic affairs. "This commitment includes our investment in new facilities for our high­ performing Innovation Academy in Palestine."

The new campus will be approximately 15,000 square feet and features 12 classrooms, offices and restrooms enclosed in a modular structure. The facility will be located south of Mathis Hall on The University of Texas at Tyler Palestine extension campus on Texas State Highway Loop 256.

"The Innovation Academy is an important part of our teacher education program at UT Tyler," said Dr. Ross Sherman, dean of the College of Education and Psychology. "We continue to explore innovative pedagogy with the project-based curriculum model. This facility will further enable the research of STEM-focused learning."

The project is being funded by internal mechanisms. University leadership began exploring options for a new facility last fall when the previous facility was closed for safety concerns. Innovation Academy students have been temporarily sharing space in Mathis Hall.

"We appreciate the support and patience of the community as we have worked to find a solution that makes sense for our current and future students," said Dr. Jo Ann Simmons, Innovation Academy superintendent. "I know our faculty and staff in Palestine will continue to provide a superior learning environment when we move into the new space."

The Innovation Academy enrolls 667 students on campuses in Tyler, Palestine and Longview.

A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered. With more than 10,000 students, UT Tyler has facilities in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.