Few get to work as closely with UT Permian Basin as Cathy George does, and few support the University as much as she does.  George, an executive recruiter in the oil and gas industry, has firsthand experience at the importance of the programs and majors at UTPB and the types of student-athletes the University attracts.
 
"With the importance of the oil and gas industries out here, the new engineering building has been a huge boost to the programs out here and attract the type of students we need in the area," said George.  "I've been on the board for a while, but things have gone zero to 90 in the last few years.  Between everything Dr. (Sandra) Woodley and Athletics have done over the last few years it's so exciting to see the growth."
 
George has noticed a different energy around campus.  A major source of that energy was the creation of the Falcon Football program a few years ago and the increase in quality of the Athletics department.
 
"I believe the energy and spirit that the football team brought to the University made a big difference," said George.  "When you add football with everything else going on, the cheerleaders, the marching band, it gets everyone involved and created an energy the University hadn't felt before.  The energy and spirit that Athletics has brought has made UTPB feel like University rather than a school."
 
Moving forward George has high hopes for the Falcons and the University.  In recent years the Athletics Department has excelled in the classroom while becoming more competitive in the Lone Star Conference, one of the best in Division II.
 
"In five years we're going to be the best," said George.  "I know it's going to take time to grow and I'm biased, but I think if we keep at the rate we're going we'll be one of the best in a few years.  In my eyes we've seen 10 times the growth in the time since Dr. Woodley took over, I just see so much more growth in 2021."
 
 
If you would like to donate to the Champions Fund or want additional information on how to get involved with Falcon Athletics you can click here or contact Lynn Andress at andress_l@utpb.edu.  All Champions Fund donations go towards student-athlete scholarships.