UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
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MONDAY, NOV. 17, 2025
🦃 The UTA Thanksgiving dinner began in 2017 as an annual potluck that brought the campus community together for a Thanksgiving experience.
Today's MavWire is 1,182 words, a four-minute read.
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There's no place like Homecoming at UTA
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Homecoming 5K
Homecoming Saturday began with a blazing 5K race, as runners bolted from the starting line to kick off festivities. The scenic course wound through campus, passing Maverick landmarks like the University Center, the Planetarium, and the Fine Arts Building.
Every racer made an impact: All proceeds went to the UTA Emergency Assistance Fund, helping students facing sudden financial emergencies.
Homecoming Parade
As floats traveled down Spaniolo Drive, the area outside of College Park Center came to life with Mavericks young and old getting into the Homecoming spirit.
Maverick organizations showed off their colorful floats, and the UTA Marching Band provided the enchanting soundtrack. Parade-goers were graced by the likes of Glinda, Elphaba, The Tin Man and even The Cowardly Lion.
Homecoming street festival and Tailgate
After running and floating through campus, it was time to cut loose for the tailgate and street festival.
Footballs were flying, music was blaring, and carnival rides were spinning as students, alumni, and employees mixed and mingled together as one big community outside of the College Park Center before the big Homecoming game and coronation.
Crowning a new Homecoming king and queen
Coronation marked the culmination of weeks-long preparations for the six members of the court. It was a Homecoming moment when their hard work defied gravity.
Jakinda Opondo, a first-generation student and junior interior design major, was crowned Homecoming King, while Jodie Orogun, a sophomore nursing major and UTA Ambassador, was named Queen.
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Mavs move to 3-1 with Homecoming win
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The UTA men's basketball team led by as many as 22 points and was dominant at times, defeating a tough Missouri State team in front of nearly 3,000 spirited fans at College Park Center for a fast-break finish to Homecoming.
Senior forward Raysean Seamster led the way for the Mavs with 17 points and four assists, while senior guard Marcell McCreary added 14 points in the win.
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Meet Iris: your on-campus headshot booth
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In need of a professional headshot? Look no further than the Iris booth, your self-serve high quality photo studio made simple.
Why it matters: The Iris booth makes it easy to capture the perfect headshot without an appointment, photographer, or the stress.
Going deeper: The built-in studio lighting makes sure your photos always look sharp, professional, and polished. With easy onscreen instructions, the booth guides you through each step; adjust your pose, experiment with expressions, and retake as many photos as you like.
If you require an accommodation or assistance, contact Career Services front desk or the Campus Information Center after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
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Nominate an Outstanding Maverick today
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Nominations for the Outstanding Maverick Awards are open now through Friday, Nov. 21.
Why it matters: Each year, we recognize our employees whose exceptional achievements make a lasting impact at UTA. Help celebrate the dedication and Maverick spirit that makes UTA extraordinary.
Going deeper: The awards are open to all levels of employee, recognizing meaningful contributions across the entire University. Awards are aligned with UTA's Shared Values—Collaboration, Engagement, Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity. Honorees will be announced in spring 2026. Individual recipients may receive up to $1,000; leaders will receive a plaque, while the winning team will share $2,500.
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Ananya Singh Recognized for global design excellence
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Ananya Singh, assistant professor of visual communication design, continues to make her mark on the global stage through both research and creative practice.
Why it matters: Dr. Singh was recently named an Honorary Designer at the 12th United Designs Biennial 2025, a major international showcase. Her work was selected from a field of designers spanning nine countries to be permanently added to United Designs Alliance's collection, which highlights creative projects that promote empathy and unity.
Going deeper: Singh’s internationally published research article, “Creativity Reimagined: Ethical Authorship, Ownership, and Social Impact of AI-Generated Art,” explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the boundaries of creativity and authorship in the arts, advocating for frameworks that balance innovation with ethical responsibility.
Read the full publication here.
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Preview the Holiday Glass Art Sale & Fundraiser
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You're invited to an exclusive preview and early purchase event for the UTA Holiday Glass Art Sale & Fundraiser.
Why it matters: Every purchase you make directly supports our students and studio. Half of the proceeds go to the artists themselves, while the rest fund scholarships, raw materials, equipment, and continued studio development.
Going deeper: What began in the 90s as a small fundraiser—founded by David Keens—on the Fine Arts Building loading dock has grown into one of UTA’s most anticipated art events of the year. Come support our nationally recognized program.
Important details: The preview event will be hosted Friday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UTA Studio Arts Center. All faculty, staff, and students are invited; please bring your UTA ID for entry. This is a cashless event.
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Talent, Culture, and Engagement
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Find wellness opportunities all over DFW this month
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Wellness events are happening all across the DFW Metroplex this November.
Why it matters: From awareness walks challenging the stigma around obesity to impactful fundraisers supporting those affected by blood cancers, there’s something for everyone.
Visit Talent, Culture, and Engagement’s website to learn more about what's available and register today.
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👩🎓 The Scholarships Office is now accepting forms for the spring 2026 Employee Tuition Affordability Program. The deadline for spring 2026 regular session is Monday, Dec. 22. Refer to the website for additional information.
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🎬 Join Counseling and Psychological Services ambassadors at the Planetarium for a Destress Movie Night featuring the Academy Award 2024 Best Animated film, Flow. Grab some free snacks and let go of stress as you laugh, reflect, and unwind. This event is free to students, faculty, and staff. Limited space is available. RSVP via MavEngage. Wednesday, Nov. 19.
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👟 Donate a pair of gently used or new shoes during the Homecoming Shoe Drive. Your donation is much more than a pair of shoes; it offers dignity, hope, and a chance for renewal to those facing unimaginable hardships. Collection will take place through Friday, Nov. 21 at the University Center and the Maverick Activities Center.
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🧪 Research Integrity: Meeting Compliance Requirements for Regulated Research Activities presents an overview for federal regulations and procedures for conduct of regulated research activities, including human subject, animal, and recombinant DNA research. This workshop is open to all students. RSVP is required for in-person attendance. Friday, Nov. 21
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❤️ Help restock the Maverick Food Pantry with the Fill the Pantry, Fill the Heart food drive. No Maverick should worry about putting food on the table, and by donating the most needed items, we can assist our UTA community. Donate today through Monday, Nov. 24.
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701 S. Nedderman Drive | Arlington, TX 76019 US
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