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The University of Texas has played a significant role in the growth of Austin. Established in 1883, the university made Austin famous beyond its borders by establishing itself in the fields of education and research in the United States. The University of Texas dedicates itself to improving the quality of life of the people of Texas and the United States. Headed by its president, William Powers Jr., the University of Texas has a solid reputation. In the fall of 2008 alone, the university’s enrollment included 49,984 from the undergrad, 37,389 from graduate school and 1,251 from law. As of fall 2007, the university has had one of the largest single-campus enrollment in the country (and had the largest enrollment in the United States from 1997-2003). It currently holds the largest enrollment among all colleges in the state of Texas. Sitting in a 350-acre area in the heart of the scenic Central Texas Hill Country, about two miles downtown State Capitol, this public research university currently employs over 21,000 faculty and staff. The University of Texas awards more than 8,700 bachelor’s degrees annually in more than 170 fields of study and 100 majors. The University of Texas is as much a melting pot as the United States is. It has one of the most diverse student populations in the country and is a national leader in the number of undergraduate degrees awarded to minority students. The university has various ancillary facilities, of which the J.J. Pickle Research Campus is the most notable.

To learn more about famous Texans such as politician Ben Barnes, visit the De Leon, The Heart of Texas site.

Ben Barnes, former lt. governor of Texas, was interviewed by Charlie Rose.