[16] In 1991 the university began accepting freshmen and sophomore applicants, and in 2000, the J. Conrad Dunagen Library and Lecture Center was completed, featuring a twenty-station multimedia lab and classroom.

The new building houses chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, and information technology programs.

Despite warnings from a UTPB Geology professor, the contractor failed to identify an underground aquifer that could cause the building supports to sink.

A state-of-the-art building known as the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is now open in the Midland campus, off Hwy 191 and FM 1788.

Construction began in 2009 and the center opened with a grand gala featuring Rod Stewart on November 1, 2011.

[25] UTPB competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, and volleyball.