UTEP

60 years ago today, the Miners made history and broke down barriers. On March 19, 1966, Don Haskins' squad defeated Kentucky, 72-65, becoming the first team ever to start five black players and win the national championship. #PicksUp

Sixty years ago today, the Texas Western men's basketball team made history when they became first team ever to start five black players and win the NCAA basketball championship game. Led by legendary coach Don Haskins, the Miners played their way to the championship game against the No. 1-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. In honor of this anniversary, UTEP's Mining Minds pickaxe sculpture will be illuminated in orange and blue tonight. ⛏️ The El Paso community is invited to join a 20th anniversary screening of "Glory Road," the 2006 film based on the legendary team, at Memorial Gym on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The special guest will be Schin Kerr, who portrayed Miner great David Lattin in the movie. Learn more: utepn.ws/3Pie3Dw

On this day in 1966, Texas Western's "Glory Road" squad upset Kentucky to win the National Championship 👏 The Miners were the first team to start an all-black starting five in a Championship Game. #MarchMadness

UTEP Press is now accepting submissions for the 2028 UTEP Discovery Fellowship Award. This award recognizes book proposals that best fulfill UTEP’s mission to disseminate discovery and research that impacts the world. 🔬 🌎 The recipient will have their book published and receive a $5,000 award. 📖 Submissions are due by April 1 for priority consideration. Apply now: utepn.ws/47veh0r

The flowers are blooming, and spring break is here! 🌸 We hope your break is filled with rest, sunshine and a little adventure. See you back soon, Miners! 🌼

☘️ Happy TCM Day, Miners! ⛏️ UTEP's longest-running tradition celebrates our mining heritage through a series of activities, including marching on Centennial Plaza, learning mining songs, serenading @UTEPPresident Heather Wilson, going to the practice mine near Sun Bowl Stadium, whitewashing the M on the mountain on Sun Bowl Drive, competing in the team mining challenge and ending the day by kissing the Blarney Stone. ☘️ The event began in 1920 when UTEP was called TCM, or Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy.

Remembering UTEP's roots in mining and engineering. Happy TCM Day, Miners!

🥈 UTEP has been ranked the 2nd most affordable college in Texas, as well as the 5th best college in terms of overall quality of education. 🥳 The new rankings from Research.com aim to assist students in their college selection process, and analyzed factors like academic excellence and rigor, affordability, a wide range of degree offerings and return on investment. Learn more: utepn.ws/4rrnDkE

Using a 3D-printed rattlesnake, UTEP researchers have uncovered new evidence explaining why one of nature's most iconic warning signals has survived for millions of years –- and why it's remarkably good at its job. 🐍 Learn more: utepn.ws/4syq7ia

Don't miss a 20th anniversary screening of 𝙂𝙇𝙊𝙍𝙔 𝙍𝙊𝘼𝘿 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 in historic Memorial Gym. 🎥🏀 Schin Kerr, who played David Lattin in the movie, will discuss the making of the movie and the enduring legacy of the ‘66 champs. 🎟️ Tickets are FREE, but need to be claimed. Learn more and get ticket info here: utepn.ws/4sCfHhs #PicksUp

One hundred years before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish flu ravaged the Southwest and raised similar debates about mask wearing, business closures and personal freedom. 😷 💉 📖 Now available from UTEP Press for purchase or free download, the book "Epidemic in the Southwest, 1918-1919" describes the flu's impact on El Paso and the surrounding region and the resolve of frontline workers to prevent further spread of the deadly disease. Learn more and get your copy: utepn.ws/4sAKGdR

Michael Martinez is UTEP’s new AVP for Regional Innovation & Partnerships! The alumnus is a public-sector veteran and former city and county leader across El Paso and New Mexico. His mission: Connect UTEP research with the governments and communities that need it most. Welcome back, Michael. #GoMiners! Learn more: utepn.ws/4rSKd6X

Do you know a May 2026 grad with a unique journey at UTEP? 🎓 Each Commencement, UTEP tells the story of its graduating class through the experiences and future plans of our graduates. These stories could be highlighted during the Commencement ceremonies and on UTEP's official channels! Nominations can be made here: utepn.ws/3ONtYti #UTEPGrad

UTEP students will soon be able to study, socialize or just relax in a beautiful natural park located near Texas Western Hall. Plans for the restoration of the arroyo were unveiled today at a celebration on campus. 🧡☀️ The space will include a large pavilion and gathering area that offers seating and shade; a bridge that spans across the arroyo 🌉; the installation of an owl sculpture from the home of artist Tom Lea 🦉; Chihuahuan desert landscaping and plants 🐞 🌻; and terraced lawns and a tree grove outside of newly completed Texas Western Hall. 🌳 Learn more: utepn.ws/4blxpA2

From the classroom to the community 🌟 UTEP students are serving El Paso through Project VITA, offering free tax preparation while earning certification and hands-on experience. They’ve already completed nearly 2,300 returns this season! Service dates remain, including two special sessions for international students and faculty. 🌎📄 Learn more: utepn.ws/4rcBGuz @utepHuntCollege

Bravo to the UTEP Wind Symphony! 🎶👏 This weekend, the ensemble performed at the College Band Directors National Association Southwestern Division Convention in Denton, Texas – one of the region’s most prestigious stages. This marks just the second appearance in program history. #GoMiners! ⛏️💙🧡🎼

#PicksUp to the 39 students -- and future Miners -- from Canutillo High School who were presented this week with a UTEP Excellence Scholarship! They’re the largest cohort of awardees from a single school in the history of the scholarship program. The UTEP Excellence Scholarships recognize leadership, academic talent and service, awarding between $2,000 and $8,000 per year to attend UTEP. See you in the fall! ⛏️ @CanutilloISD

Students spent Friday afternoon gaining insight from campus leaders, alumni and special guests at the 2026 Miners Leadership Summit. Keynote speaker Chandi Dayle, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and star of the Netflix show America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, shared her journey and touted the value of mindfulness, perseverance and leadership.

Today we welcomed more than 100 students from Mexico and presidents from our partner institutions in Ciudad Juárez. The gathering offered a unique chance to connect with distinguished university leaders, representatives from consulates on both sides of the border and student leaders. ¡Arriba esos picos!

📰 • $𝟏 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐲𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #PicksUp ⛏️🏐 | @UTEPVB | @UTEP_MAC utepminers.com/news/2026/2/27…