UTA'S E-NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2025

🍁 We might not have sweater weather on campus yet, but it is officially autumn.

Today's Trailblazer is 708 words, a five-minute read.

Student Affairs

Muddy Mavericks do battle in Oozeball!

An Oozeball collage with three players serving and hitting balls while one player rests in the mud

When life gives you mud… grab a volleyball! 🏐

Huge shoutout to everyone who came out to Oozeball. UTA’s most popular tradition was a major hit, once again. Teams competed, Mavericks made memories, and no one stayed clean. Best of luck getting the mud out of your clothes and see you next year!

Around Campus

Cookies with Cowley

Cookies with Cowley is a special event where students can connect with campus leadership in an open and engaging discussion.

Why it matters: This event will feature an exclusive interview with President Jennifer Cowley and student government leaders, followed by a student-led Q&A session.

Important information: Cookies with Cowley will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 12-1 p.m. at the Palo Duro lounge in the University Center. Free food will be provided. All Mavericks are encouraged to attend.

Alumni

Alum pours passion into Casa Azul coffee

Joseph Landeros, a 2012 political science graduate from UTA, swapped politics for coffee, opening Casa Azul Coffee in Northside Fort Worth in November 2021.

Why it matters: Landeros took an unconventional path, from politics to serving drinks as a Starbucks barista, to find his passion and a way to give back to the community. He credits getting connected to UTA’s resources—including what is now called the UTA Career Development Center for helping him prepare to chase the dream through networking, internships, and a wide-range of perspectives.

The outcome: Daunting as it may have been, the gamble paid off. Casa Azul opened its doors in a neighborhood that had long gone without a coffee shop. Landeros' experience shows that no matter the background you can pivot with the right support.

Read more about Landeros' journey from his early blue-collar jobs to the blue and orange of UTA.

Colleges and Schools

Community Voices for Suicide Prevention

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: These inspiring voices will share both professional expertise and deeply personal experiences:

Brad Hunstable – Founder of Hayden’s Corner & CEO of 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.

Around Campus

Celebrate UTA history with the Growth and Transformation grand opening

U T A Growth and Transformation grand opening poster

All are invited to attend the grand opening event for the new permanent exhibit Friday, Sept. 26, at the Central Library from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Around Campus

Zone restrictions removed for student commuter permits

Student commuter permit holders may park in any student commuter lot as of Monday, Sept. 22, regardless of their originally selected zone.

Why it changed: The update follows a successful pilot that helped reduce congestion and improve lot availability across campus. No new permits are required.

Read the full update on the PATS website.

Blaze Bites

📚 Looking for deals? The UTA Campus Bookstore is hosting a student appreciation day with refreshments, raffles, and special one-day deals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25.

🥵 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.

📈 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, amongother rankings.

👑 The deadline to file as a candidate for Homecoming King, Homecoming Queen, Student Government Senator, or UTA Ambassador is Monday, Sept. 29.