In the face of a global public health crisis, the UT Dallas community unleashed its creativity and sparked a reimagining of higher education that has allowed the University to thrive.

The COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020 has had a tremendous impact on universities around the globe. At The University of Texas at Dallas, the ongoing situation has presented challenges as well as opportunities, not only in the continuity of teaching and learning, but also in areas like research, housing, student life and the day-to-day business of keeping a campus up and running, no matter what.

By necessity, the UT Dallas community was forced to reimagine a university experience without the trappings of a physical campus; students, staff and faculty had to reinvent what they knew and expected of higher education by working and learning off-site without knowing when or even how they would return. Under the thoughtful and steadfast leadership of President Richard C. Benson and his administration — and the herculean efforts of countless individuals — UT Dallas continued to deliver an exceptional educational experience to its students and responded in creative — and safe — ways to maintain all the other aspects that make UT Dallas a top-tier institution — research, service, sense of community and commitment to excellence.

Even as individuals have dealt with their own personal challenges, the Comet family has risen to the occasion. UT Dallas’ response required coordinated logistics and quick decision-making by University administrators, who put into motion plans to maintain the health and safety of the community while also preserving continuity in a rapidly changing, uncharted world. The snapshots that follow show how united, Comets found their footing and exemplified the University’s spirit and dedication to its mission of teaching, research and service.