As the College of Education welcomes thousands of students into the halls of the historic George I. Sánchez Building and L. Theo Bellmont Hall, we are excited to share the renovations and upgrades that reflect more than just the physical structures. These meaningful changes reflect the college’s character, resilience and innovation.
Current projects in both buildings have transformed our facilities into student-centered spaces specially designed for study, collaboration and connection with peers.
Landmarks Installation
and Sánchez Plaza
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and champions, the next chapter of the Sánchez Building’s transformation is underway. Following a beautiful renovation of the interior, we are investing in revitalizing the exterior in two phases.
Installation has begun on a new Landmarks public artwork on the glass façade of Sánchez to be completed in January 2026. Entitled Autobiography: Circles, the piece will feature stunning glasswork designed by renowned artist Howardena Pindell — her first exterior public work and first public art commission in Texas. This powerful piece captures Pindell’s legacy as an artist, activist and educator, and will occupy a permanent space at our college.
Renovations of the historic Sánchez Building Plaza, meanwhile, will kick off in June 2026 and will continue through early Spring 2027. The fully renovated plaza will feature accessible walkways and garden path, a community rock garden, tiered seating that extends the classroom outdoors, and updated landscaping and furniture.
Centering Student Life
The new Pamela and David Ott Pavilion and Gardens will serve as a cornerstone of the renovation — a welcoming hub for events, classes and student life.
This ambitious project was carefully planned to preserve the wonder of our existing trees and protect the beloved Live Oaks, which have defined the character of our plaza for decades. Working closely with UT’s arborists, we are enhancing the landscape with native plants and sustainable irrigation, creating even more room for the trees to thrive.
With generous support from Barbi and Scott Cohen, Pam and Doug Goodson, Libby and Brian Hegi, Katherine and Sean Keenan, Ginni and Richard Mithoff, Pam and David Ott, and Page and John Schreck, the college is reimagining the Sánchez Plaza as a welcoming, vibrant space that inspires learning, fuels innovation, and strengthens our mission.
Renewing Bellmont Hall
This summer, the college marked a major milestone in the renovation of Bellmont Hall, located in Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium and home to our nationally ranked Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. In partnership with Texas Athletics, the project is modernizing multiple floors of Bellmont into state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, training and research.
Additional enhancements include new faculty labs, a graduate student lounge, staff and faculty offices and an athletic training classroom. A new weight room, essential for teaching courses such as powerlifting, together with redesigned classrooms will establish an exceptional facility.
Many projects in Bellmont Hall have been completed, but other renovations will be in progress through next winter, including the Andree and Bryan Moynihan Sport Management Wall that celebrates the tremendous growth and impact of our acclaimed sport management program.
Supporting Student Spirit
Another highlight of the Bellmont renovations is The Fringe, the new home and practice facility for Texas Cheer and Pom, thanks to the support of Texas Cheer alumna Amy Porter. Named in honor of the cheer team’s iconic fringe uniforms, the third-floor space features a 30-foot ceiling designed for stunts, meeting and study areas, and a Hook ’Em mascot zone, providing the Spirit Squad with a home base that drives excellence both on and off the field.
We take great pride in these transformations across our campus and look forward to experiencing and celebrating them together as a college community.
