Meet the Staff
Erika Crespo 
Senior
Biology, minors in Chemistry and Anthropology
Going to Texas (Classic CAP FIG) & Designing Your Future in Engineering (Classic)
I became to be a PC to assist in the academic development and personal transition of new students at UT Arlington.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is Counseling Services because it offers multiple seminars, such as Time Management and Test Anxiety, which can significantly benefit those in attendance. Counselors are also available to speak with students on an individual basis on a variety of issues. It has definitely been helpful to me.
Tyler Crosson 
Sophomore
Aerospace Engineering
Designing Your Future in Engineering (Fusion)
I became a Peer Counselor to get more involved with on campus activities and to help new students adjust to college life.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships because they provide forms/applications for federal grants and loans that can potentially pay for your entire semester expenses. Even if you don’t think you qualify for any type of financial aid, they will most often find a way to help you out.
Ricky Fernandez 
Sophomore
Nursing
Nursing: The Anatomy of Success (Classic)
I wanted to become a PC because I want to help guide students to different student services in order to help them succeed in our university.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Housing Office because they provide an opportunity to live on-campus and to be active in a community.
Cody Early 
Sophomore
Nursing: An Art & a Science (Residential)
I enjoy meeting new people and want to do what I can to help incoming freshman students succeed and adapt to the University; so I decided to become a Peer Counselor.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is Supplemental Instruction because the Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader has already taken the course and sits in your class to take notes. After the class, the SI Leader has a schedule for students to come and review the notes learned in class. The SI Leader usually has practice questions and exam reviews for students to use.
Jamiel Harris 
Senior
Kinesiology (Athletic Training)
Growing Your Horns (Classic CAP FIG)
As a freshman, I was part of a FIG I really benefited from having a PC help me navigate through my first year. Therefore, as a PC, I can continue giving back to the program.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Health Center because they provide all types of medical services, including a pharmacy. The prices are very reasonable and discounted for students.
Cristie Kibler 
Senior
Political Science
Liberal Arts: Cogito Ergo Sum (Fusion)
I became a Peer Counselor because I had a PC my freshman year who truly made a difference in my life by guiding me through my freshman year. I felt that by being a PC, I could give back to UT Arlington the same way did by “growing” great freshmen!
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is Ransom Hall because you have access to computer labs 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Ransom Hall has several high quality and high speed printers available; allowing you to print off papers and projects using your print quota. In addition, students can get educational copies of popular software at discounted prices at the Computer Store.
Priya Lad 
Junior
Civil Engineering
Designing Your Future in Engineering (Residential)
I became a Peer Counselor because I love helping people when they are stuck in difficult situations. It makes me happy to know that I have done something for others; even if they didn’t ask for it.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is a professor’s office hours because if you have trouble in a specific class, the professor is the best place to go get the information clarified. It’s good to get acquainted with them because they can help you score higher on the exams.
Adam Lewis 
Senior
Architecture
Architecture: Drawing on Success (Fusion)
I had a great experience my freshmen year with my Peer Counselor and I wanted to help future architecture students, so I decided to become a PC.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Office of Student Governance and Organizations because all students are welcome to attend the student congress meetings. For students who want to play a more active role, you can run for a position as a Senator or for a constituency council.
Bryan Morgan 
Sophomore
Kinesiology (Athletic Training)
Great Thinkers (Fusion Honors FIG)
I became a Peer Counselor because I really wanted to get on campus and get involved. Being in the FIG helped me gain relationships and being a PC will help me be a role model to incoming students. This opportunity gave me an opportunity to stay involved in college.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is Campus Recreation’s Maverick Activities Center because you can do everything at the MAC, including:
- Intramural sports
- Workout
- Massage Therapy
- Yoga
- Kickbox
- and more
Brittanie Pipkins 
Junior
Biology
Math and Science Teaching Career Explorations (Fusion)
I became a Peer Counselor because I enjoyed the FIG class and my PCs. I wanted to have my own class.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Science Education and Career Center because students can o and checkout old test materials to prepare for upcoming tests. The Center also provides access to a copy machine, computers, and other helpful materials that can help guide the student throughout their academic career.
Andres Reyna 
Sophomore
Architecture
Architecture: Drawing on Success (Fusion)
I became a PC because I want to help new students in their transitions from high school to UT Arlington.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Physics Clinic because they can help you understand and solve problems related to the courses. The staff is always glad to help!
Jennifer Steele 
Junior
Interdisciplinary Studies
World of Business (Residential)
I became a PC because I enjoy seeing educational success in a student’s educational career; that is what Maverick Scholars Peer Counselors embody, project, and emulate.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is SOAR because it provides tutorial services for the basic core level classes to help first generational college students start on the right track to scholarly success.
Chinelo Ude 
Senior
History and Philosophy
Business: The CEOs of Tomorrow (Classic)
I became a Peer Counselor because I wanted to help others. As a freshman, my PC helped me so much that I wanted to pass on my wisdom and information to other incoming students.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Writing Center because when you come to college, you must move from a level 3 writing style to a level 10 writing style. You need to know how to write a proper paper so you do not fail or fall behind.
Brittany Ulrich 
Junior
Education
Discovering Your Passion in Teaching and Human Services (Classic)
I thought the FIG was such a phenomenal program that I wanted to continue to be a part of it & all the other new Mavericks adapt to their first year of college.
The Student service I would recommend to all freshmen is Student Activities because there are over 200 organizations students can join at UT Arlington! The Office of Student Activities can help you find a group or club that fits your interests or major. Student Activities will help freshmen get involved on campus and become a part of Maverick Life.
Cameron Wyatt 
Sophomore
Nursing
Nursing: Caring and Healing (Fusion)
As a student in a FIG, I had great Peer Counselors. They helped me adjust to college life. Without them and the Freshman Seminar Class, I would not have been near as successful my first year. These things made me want to give back to the program and pass along what I learned to the next group of freshmen.
The student service I would recommend to all freshmen is the Math Clinic because it is staffed with tutors for most math courses. They have very reasonable hours and often put together a review before a test. They also have textbooks and resources that may be used while in the clinic.
Angel Taylor
Associate Director for Student Success
Welcome new FIG students! I hope these next four years of college are some of the best of your life. I’m excited you’ve opted to join our Maverick Scholars Freshman Interest Program because I really believe that the academic and social programming we offer will empower you to make good decisions and become a successful part of the UT Arlington campus. Two of the most important resources you have at your disposal are your Peer Counselors (PC) and the Student Success Programs Office. Don’t hesitate to ask your PC any question you might have and remember that Student Success is here to help you with all your academic, social, and personal questions. Good luck and have fun!
William Gunn
Learning Community Coordinator
A Freshman Interest Group gives students a safe environment to adjust to college life, by providing the structure that students are used to receiving, but the freedom that excites students.
Lindsey Zaleski
Student Development Specialist
The FIG Program is a great foundation for incoming freshman. FIGs will help students with the academic & social changes from high school to college.