UTA MavWire

UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25, 2025

đŸ€ đŸ‘ąTwo-stepping into history: Blaze your own trail in custom-made UTA boots, now in stock at the bookstore.

 

Today's MavWire is 852 words, a six-minute read.

Department Spotlight

The Office of Title IX name change

Graphic announcing the Office of Title IX name change

The Office of Title IX Equal Opportunity Services has updated its name to the Office of Title IX and Discrimination Complaints. This update provides clarity to our campus community on where to receive assistance regarding concerns of discrimination. The office is committed to creating and maintaining an educational and work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and sexual misconduct where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and thrive. Additional information can be found on the office’s website.

 

UTA is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, pregnancy, genetic information, and/or veteran status.

 

Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited.

 

Employee Feedback

Be sure you take the Pulse Survey 

Stock image of a person working on a computer

It's time to check our pulse! The People and Culture Pulse Survey from Gallup has arrived and is due by Monday, Oct. 6.

Why it matters: 
Your feedback helps to build a positive and engaging workplace culture at UTA.

Going deeper:
The survey is a follow-up to the previous Gallup Engagement Survey and includes questions intended to check the current pulse and implementation of action plans across campus. As with all surveys, Talent, Culture, and Engagement will share the results of this pulse check, and invite employees to participate in action planning as part of our shared responsibility.

By the numbers:
 It should take you less than five minutes to complete the survey, and responses are completely confidential. 

 

Around Campus

University Center construction update

Photo of the University Center's exterior

The University Center construction project has been postponed until spring 2026.

Why it matters: University Center and Commons Operations will continue to accept departmental reservations through Mazevo for the fall semester until Thursday, Dec. 18. Reservations for spring 2026 will open on Monday, Nov. 3, and will remain open until April 3, 2026.

If you have questions or need assistance with reservations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to University Center and Commons Operations.

 

Meet a Mav

New Leadership at UTARI

Photo of the exterior of the UTARI building in Fort Worth

Please welcome Richard Voyles as the new executive director of the University of Texas At Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) effective Wednesday, Oct. 1. 

 

Why he's here: As executive director, Dr. Voyles will lead UTARI in advancing its mission, expanding its reach, and deepening its strategic partnerships. His proven experience in bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application will be invaluable as UTA continues to drive innovation throughout the region and beyond.

 

Going deeper: Voyles is a distinguished leader in applied research. He joins UTA from Purdue University, where he led the Collaborative Robotics Lab. He has significantly shaped national research, having cofounded the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program.

 

Around Campus

Community Voices for Suicide Prevention

Image promoting the Community Voices for Suicide Prevention event.

The School of Social Work will host Community Voices for Suicide Prevention Thursday, Sept. 25, a panel discussion highlighting personal stories, professional expertise, and practical tools for suicide prevention. 

Why it matters: Held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the event will bring together community leaders and advocates to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share strategies for suicide prevention. 

Going deeper: Together, we’ll hear from inspiring voices who share both professional expertise and deeply personal experiences:

  • Brad Hunstable – Founder of Hayden’s Corner and CEO, Linear Labs
  • Esmeralda Nava, LMSW – UTA alumna, Grant Halliburton Foundation 
  • Kristi Wiley – Vice President of Programs, Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation

The conversation will be guided by Donna Schuman, UTA social work associate professor and expert in trauma and mental health interventions. Reserve your spot now for the panel discussion.

 

The fine print: This event is free and open to the public. Continuing education unit credit will be available for social work professional attendees. 

 

Mav Bites

📈 We're moving up the charts! UTA earned recognition as one of the country’s top universities for academic rigor, research excellence, and student success. The 2026 U.S. News and World Report listed UTA as No. 122 among the nation’s best public universities, among other rankings.

đŸȘ Elmo and Friends Say Hello! Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! Faculty and staff can purchase a discounted four-pack of tickets with the promo code "UTA" for the upcoming show Saturday, Oct. 4.

đŸŽ€ The first Maverick Speakers Series event of the 2025-26 season is coming up. Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, will share his insights on international affairs and more. Tickets are free for all faculty, staff, and students. Wednesday, Oct. 8.

đŸ„” Get Saucy with it! Enjoy a custom menu featuring local hot sauces, wings, and hot sauce raffles, and test your heat limits during Maverick Dining's Final Flame Wing Challenge featuring The Last Dab Hot Sauce: Thermageddon! Thursday, Oct. 9. 

🏐 Volleyball game vs. Southern Utah: Be a witness to our championship banner reveal Saturday, Sept. 27.

 

Upcoming Events

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26

"UTA: Growth and Transformation" - Exhibit Grand Opening

The Faculty Playbook for Teaching: Award-Winning Strategies for a Better Classroom

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

"Seize the King"

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28

UTA Jazz at the Levitt Pavilion

Full calendar >

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