The overview
The property, located near Samsung Austin Semiconductor's 6 million-square-foot semiconductor chip fabrication plant in Taylor, is expected to bolster the region’s rapidly growing semiconductor supply chain, according to May 9 an announcement from the university.
“Advancing innovation, growing education and cultivating leadership in the semiconductor space is a major area of focus for The University of Texas, and we are excited to have a presence in the burgeoning Taylor community and the opportunity to further shape the expanding footprint of the semiconductor ecosystem in Central Texas,” UT President Jay Hartzell said in a news release.
The Temple College at Taylor Foundation dates back nearly three decades, with a goal of providing financial support and opportunities for students to achieve their academic dreams, according to the nonprofit's website.
Officials said in the announcement UT is working with its staff and the Taylor community to determine which programs will fit best at the new campus, to be known as The University of Texas at Austin-Taylor Center.
The UT Texas Institute for electronics is one program considering the site for training and research related to the semiconductor industry, the release states.
“The city of Taylor is thrilled to welcome The University of Texas at Austin,” Mayor Brandt Rydell of Taylor said during a recent City Council meeting. “UT’s presence in our vibrant, growing community will provide even more opportunities for future generations and help solidify the city’s place as a center for progress and enrichment in Williamson County and the state of Texas.”
Zooming out
The university’s announcement marks another result of the uptick in activity in the region stemming from Samsung’s announcement to build their manufacturing plant in the area.
The most recent endowment of grant funding from the federal government toward Samsung includes an estimated $45 billion return investment from the tech company and the predicted creation of over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the region.
