Personal message to the UTA community

Good morning, Mavericks! I hope that the moms among us had a happy Mother’s Day yesterday and were able to spend some time with family.

I am writing to share with the UTA campus community that over this recent weekend I had what I felt were seasonal allergy symptoms, and out of an abundance of caution, took a COVID‑19 test. Unfortunately, I received a positive diagnosis. Fortunately, I have so far only encountered mild symptoms and I am otherwise feeling fine.

I am taking all the post-diagnosis precautions and following the University’s protocols. I am working closely with the University’s COVID‑19 contact tracing officials to help notify as many of my close contacts as possible.

While my symptoms fortunately have been very mild, I encourage each of you to be diligent as we continue to live with COVID‑19. There are several steps we can take:

Self-Monitoring: If you have COVID-like symptoms or feel sick, please stay at home, away from class or work, and get tested. The UTA mobile app provides a convenient, confidential tool to assist with conducting a daily self-assessment.
Testing: UTA continues to make available convenient and free COVID-19 testing resources on campus. Also, you may get at-home test kits from the U.S. Government by visiting COVIDtests.gov.
Close Contact: If you test positive for COVID‑19 or have come into close contact with someone who is diagnosed as positive, please follow UTA’s procedures for COVID-19 reporting. This will aid in decreasing the spread of the virus and allow others to take actions for their health and well-being.

I am most appreciative of the warm welcome that I have received since becoming president. I look forward to continuing to engage with the campus virtually over the next few days until I am eligible to return to campus. This episode does not dampen my enthusiasm and excitement for us to have a strong finish to the spring semester or the inspiration I feel for the great things we will do together.