University of North Texas – Workforce Demand Analysis
Challenge
In 2016, the University of North Texas (UNT) began offering select classes in the city of Frisco. Formalizing a partnership with city officials and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation in 2018, UNT received 100 acres of land to establish a physical presence in the community. The Frisco Landing campus (UNT–Frisco) opened in January 2023, marking a significant milestone in the creation of a thriving satellite location and the first presence of a top research university in Collin County. From the outset, UNT–Frisco focused on providing traditional undergraduate and graduate degree programs. However, in response to demand from regional employers, the University is evaluating novel paths for the future of the campus.
Response
With this new direction in mind, UNT engaged TIP Strategies to create a demand-driven roadmap that recommends an updated vision and purpose statement for UNT–Frisco, outlining forward-looking initiatives aligned with the university’s broader strategic goals. The UNT–Frisco Roadmap offers a framework to support ongoing planning efforts and facilitate the implementation of innovative strategies, flexible program design, and creative partnerships. To inform this work, TIP conducted quantitative and qualitative research over a four-month period, beginning with an in-depth analysis of regional workforce demand, focused on high-growth occupations and specialized skills across Collin and Denton Counties and the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. The findings, delivered via an interactive dashboard, highlighted gaps and opportunities in the talent pipeline. In parallel with the analysis, TIP facilitated a series of design sessions with UNT staff and a cross-sector working group to refine a vision and identify strategic priorities for the Frisco campus. These collaborative workshops helped validate the analysis, explore new opportunities, and plan for implementation. TIP also interviewed employers and industry partners in four key sectors—Sports & Hospitality, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Corporate Innovation—to better understand workforce needs and strengthen stakeholder alignment. To round out their recommendations, TIP researched best-practice models from other satellite campuses and education centers across the country. Insights from this process shaped a renewed purpose for UNT–Frisco, positioning it not as a traditional satellite, but as a forward-thinking hub for educational transformation that complements the strengths of UNT’s main campus in Denton while pioneering new educational models. As UNT brings this vision to life, Frisco will become a catalyst for innovation and a leader in responsive, industry-aligned higher education.