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From UA to UT Tyler

University Academy Alums Soar as New Patriots

UA-Tyler building facade The UT Tyler University Academy is committed to ensure their student scholars are prepared to successfully transition from high school to college. UA’s unique relationship with UT Tyler gives them a stronger understanding of the skill set and content knowledge needed to support students in making that transition, according to UA superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Simmons.

“We take great pride in ensuring students are prepared to step into college with the skills to be successful and accomplish all their career aspirations,” Simmons said. “The success of these scholars speaks directly to the impact UA teachers have made, and it also confirms our practices are aligned with developing ‘University Ready Scholars.’”

To ensure success, the UA features curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade that focuses on project-based learning, problem-based learning and blended learning. Scholars also can begin taking University dual credit classes beginning in their ninth grade year and can accrue up to 42 hours of dual credit at no cost by the time they graduate.

When scholars begin dual credit courses, a UA teacher on campus facilitates each course and assists scholars with the organizational, time management, study and communication skills that are needed to be successful.

UA-Tyler director Aimee Dennis saw 46 percent of the 2019 graduating class staying in Tyler and attending UT Tyler. She believes the fact speaks to the positive experiences that the scholars have had with the courses and professors at UT Tyler through their dual credit courses.

“Many of our scholars want to continue that educational relationship that they have developed and value when pursuing their undergraduate degree,” Dennis said.

UA-Longview campus director Rachel Hawkins said many of their graduates – at about 50 percent – enroll at UT Tyler each year as well, noting the campus strives to help scholars become successful college students no matter what college they choose.

“In addition to rigorous academics, we place a strong emphasis on helping students develop their executive functioning skills,” Hawkins said. “Being able to plan, organize and prioritize tasks, while understanding different points of view and regulating emotions, are valuable skills that students need to develop in order to be successful.”

“The UA is proud of all of our scholars and all they have accomplished transitioning from high school to becoming a UT Tyler Patriot,” Simmons added.

Carter Meet UA Alumnus & UT Tyler Patriot Blake Carter

Blake Carter of Tyler graduated from the UA-Tyler campus last year and is working toward completing a UT Tyler bachelor’s degree in psychology. With career plans to become a doctor or psychologist, Carter appreciates not only the value UT Tyler offers, but also the support the UA provided. “The UA and teachers there trained me for dealing with Canvas and being self-sufficient in completing assignments without guidance,” he said.

Carter is a member of the UT Tyler American Medical Student Association and Rolling Patriots Guild student organizations. He enjoys creating and consuming various types of media, primarily music and games.

Meet UA Alumna & UT Tyler Patriot Madelyn McGregor

Madelyn McGregor of Longview graduated in 2019 from the UA-Longview campus and will graduate in fall 2021 with a UT Tyler bachelor’s degree in English and minor in language and technology. McGregor, whose parents are both UA-Longview teachers, decided to attend UT Tyler after having such a positive experience with the University’s dual credit program.

“Being able to take dual credit courses with UT Tyler allowed me to experience firsthand what attending college at UT Tyler would be like, so I was very prepared for the transition to being a full-time college student here,” she said.

McGregor also appreciated UA’s utilization of project-based learning, and values how much both institutions care about student success.

“My UA classmates and I became a very tight-knit group over the years, which created a very positive environment for both learning and building friendships,” she said. “I also think UT Tyler students are able to learn more in classes because the professors have created an environment where students can feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.”

McGregor plans to incorporate her love of reading, writing and literature in a future writing/publishing career.

“The UT Tyler Department of Literature and Languages has been very helpful in incorporating skills into the courses that will no doubt be extremely useful in preparing me for a future career in the writing field,” she added.

Among hobbies, McGregor enjoys painting, drawing and working on her proposed novels in hopes of becoming a published author someday.

The award-winning University Academy is a K-12 charter school with campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine. The 2021-22 school year application process began Monday, Feb. 15. The application can be found at uttua.org/admissions along with additional information pertaining to the process.

For more information, call 903.730.3988 or visit uttia.org.

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