University of Dallas
History
The University of Dallas, a private Catholic university located in Irving, Texas, was founded in 1956. Its establishment was spearheaded by the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur, who sought to create an institution of higher learning that would provide a rigorous education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The university's founding was supported by the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth, which provided the initial land and resources necessary for its development. Over the decades, the University of Dallas has grown from a small liberal arts college into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Academics
The University of Dallas is renowned for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts, which forms the core of its undergraduate curriculum. The Core Curriculum is a distinctive feature of the university, requiring all undergraduate students to engage in an interdisciplinary study of the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. This curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of human culture and history.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, including English, history, philosophy, biology, and business. At the graduate level, the university is particularly noted for its programs in business, theology, and philosophy. The Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and offers MBA, MS, and DBA programs.
Campus
The University of Dallas campus is situated on a 744-acre tract in the Las Colinas area of Irving, Texas. The campus features a blend of modern and traditional architecture, with notable buildings such as the Braniff Graduate Building and the Church of the Incarnation. The university's location provides students with access to the cultural and economic opportunities of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Student Life
Student life at the University of Dallas is vibrant and diverse, with numerous opportunities for involvement in clubs, organizations, and activities. The university hosts a variety of student-run clubs, ranging from academic and professional organizations to cultural and recreational groups. The Student Government serves as the representative body for students, advocating for their interests and organizing campus events.
The university's Catholic identity is reflected in its campus ministry programs, which offer spiritual support and opportunities for service and worship. The Church of the Incarnation serves as the spiritual heart of the campus, hosting daily Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Study Abroad Programs
One of the hallmark programs of the University of Dallas is its Rome Program, which allows students to spend a semester studying at the university's campus in Rome, Italy. This program is integral to the university's mission of providing a global perspective and is open to students of all majors. While in Rome, students engage in an intensive study of Western civilization, visiting historical sites and immersing themselves in Italian culture.
Research and Scholarship
The University of Dallas is committed to fostering a culture of research and scholarship among its faculty and students. The university supports research across a variety of disciplines, with particular strengths in philosophy, theology, and the sciences. Faculty members are active in publishing scholarly articles and books, and students have opportunities to engage in research projects and present their findings at academic conferences.
Notable Alumni
The University of Dallas has produced a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Among them are Lance Morrow, a journalist and essayist known for his work with Time magazine, and Peter MacNicol, an actor recognized for his roles in film and television. The university's alumni network is active and engaged, providing support and mentorship to current students and recent graduates.