Emily Curry, center, of Dallas speaks about the university's environment. (Contributed Photo)

The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) and multiple East Texas natives are featured on an episode of Amazon Prime’s “The College Tour” series.

The episode of the series, which showcases colleges and universities around the world, is available online now.

Ten UT Tyler students, including multiple from East Texas, were featured on the episode, each highlighting different areas that make the university a “special place to learn and thrive,” series host Alex Boylan said.

University leadership is proud of the recognition.

“We’re so proud of these students for sharing their experiences,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “This episode is a great glimpse into life at UT Tyler.”

Boylan pointed out the university’s picturesque and vibrant campus environment, small class sizes, affordable tuition and hands-on learning across all curriculums.

“From the Rose Capital of America, this top-tier comprehensive research university is home to highly-ranked academic programs and the first school of medicine in East Texas,” Boylan said during the episode.

As part of the student-driven segments, Tyler native Whitney Worley, a senior marketing major, praised the university’s academic support.

“It’s amazing having professors so invested in you and who want to help you figure out what comes next,” Worley said. “… It’s an incredible advantage having so many resources to help you succeed.”

Michaela Murphy, a graduate English student, chose the university because it is close to her hometown of Brownsboro. But qualities that make her continue to choose the university are the “exemplary educational opportunities, caring faculty and beautiful campus,” she said.

Murphy currently works as a teaching assistant on campus, leading a freshman English composition course under the mentorship of senior faculty. Her post-graduation goal is to teach college English — just as she is now.

“The opportunity to gain classroom experience and expert mentorship while still taking graduate level classes is invaluable for my career preparedness,” Murphy said.

Daniel Green-Moore, a first-year medical student, has realized his dream of becoming a physician during his senior year of high school. He didn’t expect to be able to pursue a medical degree “so close to home,” the Kaufman native said.

“Because of UT Tyler, my dream is becoming a reality,” Green-Moore said.

He highlighted the hands-on learning provided by the UT Tyler School of Medicine. Students are currently learning in the field and on the UT Tyler Health Science Center campus as the state-of-the-art Medical Education Building construction nears completion later this year.

Dylan Martinez, of Henderson, said the university’s affordable cost is appealing. He said the university’s scholarships, financial aid, the Patriot Promise program and more opportunities provide free or discounted education for qualifying students.

“Throughout my time at UT Tyler, I didn’t have to pay tuition or other expenses because of the scholarships I received,” he said.

Sam Schott, of Longview, is a senior on the university’s softball team. She highlighted the university’s athletic excellence, noting the opportunities she’s earned to compete in the College World Series and help bring home a national championship.

Athletics bring “fans and students of all different backgrounds together,” she said. The campus has vibrant intramural sports as well, Schott added.

Maxwell Burer, of Forney, spotlighted the university’s thriving arts and culture programs. He said UT Tyler’s Cowan Center is not only a benefit for students and faculty but is a premier public venue that hosts numerous big-name performances. Concert footage of Fritz Hager III, a Tyler native who finished in the Top 5 of Season 20 of ‘American Idol,’ was featured in the episode.

Other UT Tyler students in the episode include Emily Curry, of Dallas; Fatima Aguilar, of Fort Worth; Cohen Taylor, of Garland; and Ayesha Khalid, of Pakistan.

The UT Tyler episode will debut on Amazon Prime when the new season begins in late May. For more information, visit uttyler.edu/college-tour/.

Watch the full episode online at tylerpaper.com or at www.uttyler.edu/about/college-tour.