University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 10-07-2010

A dynamic decade: Bill Carroll, dean of the College of Engineering since 2000, announced he will step down as dean in August 2011, but will return to teaching and research after a brief leave. Under Dr. Carroll's leadership in the past decade, Engineering has expanded, both in physical facilities and in scope, such as nanotechnology, and has recruited world-class faculty and distinguished scholars.

Carroll to step down as engineering dean

Bill Carroll, who shaped UT Arlington's College of Engineering into the multi-disciplinary educational and research model that it is today, will step down as dean next fall and return to the University to teach and conduct research after a brief leave.

Dr. Carroll has served as dean of engineering since 2000 and is the longest-tenured engineering dean in the University's history. During that decade of dramatic growth in the college, Carroll firmly established UT Arlington as a player in the field of nanotechnology, recruited world-class faculty and distinguished scholars, and helped guide the planning and construction of the $126 million Engineering Research Building scheduled to open in January 2011.

"Bill Carroll has built an enormously talented faculty," President James D. Spaniolo said. "His efforts to enhance the University's research mission are reflected in our increasing level of research activities overall. Bill has built a firm foundation for future growth and development in the College of Engineering."

Robert Magnusson, the Texas Instruments Distinguished University Chair in Nanoelectronics and professor of electrical engineering, is among the notable faculty recruited during Carroll's term.

"Bill realized that my research technology and its commercial applications might be of interest to Texas Instruments and benefit the state of Texas," Dr. Magnusson said. "Converting academic research into business is vital, but not easy. His vision is to move research from the lab to the marketplace. These kinds of successful business enterprises grounded in UT Arlington research strengthen the University and the community."

Read more about Dean Carroll.

Step up your activity starting Friday by participating in the Maverick 2010 Challenge

Faculty and staff are invited to join in some friendly competition with other institutions in the UT System Physical Activity Challenge, powered by America On The Move.

In support of the challenge, the UT Arlington Wellness Committee invites you to join in from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, on the second-floor walking track in the Maverick Activities Center. There will be information on how you can record and track your activity through America on the Move Foundation.

The Maverick 2010 Challenge is your opportunity to make a small-step approach to wellness and fitness by increasing the amount of steps you walk per day by 2010 steps. Why 2010? America On The Move is suggesting challenge goals of 2,000 extra steps per day, and we all know Mavericks take the extra steps to success.

At the conclusion of the six-week challenge, participation among UT System institutions will be counted, and the winner will receive the coveted UT System Living Well Traveling Trophy. Giveaways and wellness resources will be available at the event. Information about the challenge and steps to join are available on the UT Arlington Wellness Program website.

Rising up: The College Park District spans 20 acres on the UT Arlington campus and will help create a true college town environment in downtown Arlington.

College Park groundbreaking Monday on campus' east side

UT Arlington joins the City of Arlington and First Baptist Church-Arlington at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, to formally launch the new College Park District, 20 acres on the UT Arlington campus—from UTA Boulevard to Mitchell Street.

The district features a broad range of amenities, including College Park, central Arlington's first true mixed-use—residential and retail—development, and the 6,500-seat College Park Center, which is already under construction.

To the south, The Green at College Park is expected to be complete late this fall. The Green will be an urban oasis where students, neighbors, and friends can gather and relax.

College Park District represents a unique collaboration between the University, the city, and the church to create a new hub of activity that complements redevelopment now being realized in downtown Arlington.

Faculty workshop addresses research, mentoring

Building a Successful Research Program and Mentoring Graduate Students is the topic of a faculty workshop from 8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in Room 100 at Nedderman Hall. The workshop is sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies and the College of Engineering.

Presenters will discuss philosophies and methods for building a successful career in academic research through mentoring of graduate students. Presenters also share their tips and expertise about the tenure process, doing productive research, and building a successful research program. Topics will include mentoring graduate students, tenure and promotion, and research and publishing.

Lunch is provided. For more information and to RSVP, contact Joslyn Krismer at krismer@uta.edu.

Film fan Bart Weiss explored history through documentary and dramatic films at the Focus on Faculty program Wednesday at the Central Library. Weiss is an associate professor and coordinator of the film/video and screenwriting program in the Department of Art and Art History. The next Focus on Faculty speaker is Dr. Sandy Dasgupta, the Jenkins Garrett Professor of chemistry, who will speak on solving problems at noon Wednesday, Nov. 3, in the library's sixth floor parlor.

Student veterans share stories of their transition to college Monday

Student veterans share their stories of the challenges and adjustments required to transition from military service to civilian life at noon Monday, Oct. 11, at the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

A panel discussion covers veterans' experiences in the all-volunteer military and their role in overseas conflicts, their return to American communities and civilian life, and their experiences as college students. The event will be moderated by Alexa Smith-Osborne, assistant professor of social work and adviser to the UT Arlington Student Veterans Project.

The presentation is sponsored by UT Arlington's OneBook Program. The 2010-11 OneBook selection is A Journal for Jordan.

Flu shots coming to a building near you

Flu immunizations are available at Health Services. But if you can't get there, the vaccinations will come to you.

Immunizations are available on the following dates at these locations.

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, Central Library mall

• 9-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, Human Resources, Wetsel Service Building

• 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, Bursar lobby, Davis Hall

• 9-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25, Watson Building (for Watson Building employees only)

• 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, OIT Building, Fort Worth (for OIT employees only)

The all-in-one shot includes vaccines for two type A influenza strains, including H1N1, and one type B influenza, or seasonal flu, says Bob Blum, Health Services director. Cost is $15 for faculty, staff, and students.

Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays if you prefer to go to the Health Services Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, contact Health Services online or at 2-2771.

Help the environment through SEC campaign donations

Are you a champion for our environment? You can help protect our natural resources through the State Employee Charitable Campaign.

When you make a donation to a charity of your choice, you could be preserving our environment and children's lives for the future. Some of the charitable groups that you can donate to are:

• EarthShare of Texas

• Adopt-A-Beach

• Children's Charitable Alliance of Texas

• ABC - America's Best Charities

Your SECC representative will contact you soon. Your gift will make a difference. For more information, visit the UT Arlington SECC Webpage or contact Rosa Newman or Jake Allen at 2-5554.

'Tapped' looks at bottled water's effect on community, business, and the planet

In conjunction with the Kick the Bottle project, the documentary Tapped aims to convince the public to switch from bottled water to tap water. The free screening is at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, in the Lone Star Auditorium of the Maverick Activities Center.

This timely documentary is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that should never become a commodity: water. From the plastic production to the ocean in which so many of these bottles end up, the film trails the path of the bottled water industry and the communities that were unwitting chips on the table. A powerful portrait of the lives affected by the bottled water industry, the film features those caught at the intersection of big business and the public's right to water.

The program is hosted by the Environmental Society of UT Arlington and the League of Women Voters. E-mail sarahste@uta.edu for more details.

Outside board service and outside employment must be reported

Complete your online Request for Outside Board Service and Outside Employment form no later than Friday, Oct. 29.

All full-time employees complete this form whether or not they have outside board service or outside employment. Therefore, you must access the application and indicate yes or no on the first page.

Read more about the Outside Board Service and Outside Employment policy.

For questions, contact Lara Ellison or Robert James in the Office of Human Resources at 2-5554.

Office of the Provost hosts teaching circles for all faculty members

Faculty members who want to join one of the teaching circles hosted by the Office of the Provost should return a completed form to Linda Wilson, assistant provost, by Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Teaching circles are small groups of faculty that meet four times throughout the academic year for informal discussions about a common theme or issue related to teaching and learning. The circles allow faculty to share experiences and offer support to each other. Both full- and part-time faculty are invited to participate.

Circle topics this year include:

• promoting critical thinking in students

• strategies for supporting student success and retention

• incorporating service learning into your curriculum

• developing a new faculty discussion group for tenure-track faculty who started at UT Arlington in fall 2008 or later

For more information, contact Wilson at 2-3838 or l.wilson@uta.edu.

30th annual Bed Races will have 1980s theme

The 30th annual Bed Races rewind to their early days in the 1980s, at 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 7, at Maverick Stadium, with Punk, Preppy, and New Wave styles for costumes and carriages.

Five students—four pushing and one on the bed—compete in three categories: women's, men's, and co-ed. Costumes are encouraged. Entry fees go to the Student Life Fund. Admission is free.

EXCEL Campus Activities and the Department of Campus Recreation sponsor the event. For more details, call Student Activities at 2-2963 or Campus Recreation at 2-3277.

B.o.B. (aka Bobby Simmons)

B.o.B headlines Fall Concert Oct. 18

Tickets are going fast for the Fall Concert featuring hip-hop artist B.o.B. (aka Bobby Ray Simmons). The concert is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at Texas Hall.

Currently signed under Atlantic Records, B.o.B's debut single Nothin' on You reached No. 1 in the United States and United Kingdom. His second single, Airplanes, emulated this success, peaking at No. 1 and No. 2 two in the U.K. and the U.S., respectively. His third single, Magic, recently became B.o.B's third consecutive top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Hip-hop group Cali Swag District also performs at the concert. The group's single, Teach Me How to Dougie, was ranked No. 1 on Billboard charts.

Tickets are $15 for faculty and staff. Go to utatickets.com to buy online. The concert is hosted by Student Affairs, University Events, and EXCEL Campus Activities.

Mavs Book Club discusses 'The Known World'

The Known World by Edward P. Jones is the Mavs Book Club selection of the month. The club will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the basement of the Central Library. Meet and greet begins at 5 p.m.

This fictional story looks at a real phenomenon—African Americans owning other African Americans as slaves.

The book club is open to all faculty, staff, and students. For more information, see the Mavs Book Club blog or contact Diane Shepelwich at dianec@uta.edu.

University Club lunch features German touch today

Enjoy the Oktoberfest special at the University Club today, Thursday, Oct. 7, as executive chef Steve Vincent prepares a German fare for lunch.

The special first Thursday lunch includes beef and dill pickle rouladen, grilled bratwurst and sauerkraut, vegan wild mushroom barley ragout, potato leek soup, sour cream cucumber salad, sautéed green beans and carrots, German-style potato salad, German chocolate cake, and apple streusel.

Lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is $8 per person plus tax. The regular menu will not be available. Feel free to check out with the host or hostess instead of waiting for the server if you are in a hurry.

If you haven't done so, take the short online Dining Services Dining Services survey. At the end of the survey, you can choose to participate in a drawing for a Sony blu-ray disc player with wi-fi or a $50 Visa gift card. The drawing is optional, so you can choose to withhold your personal information. All responses will remain confidential.

Susan G. Komen On the Go Trailer

Stop by the Komen On the Go pink trailer for a virtual, interactive tour through breast cancer awareness and prevention with information and freebies. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., today, Thursday, Oct. 7, Central Library mall. Health Services, 2-2771.

Ladies RAD Self-Defense Class

This self-defense course for students, faculty, and staff is hosted by the UT Arlington Police Department. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, Maverick Activities Center. Ron Cook, rwcook@uta.edu, 2-3902.

AHA Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED

Would you know what to do if someone around you was having a heart attack? The skills you learn here could save a life. Participants will receive a CPR certification card. 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Oct. 13, training room, Environmental Health and Safety, 500 Summit Ave. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

Introduction to Web Design

Learn to publish a personal web page using HTML and CSS. Registration begins one week prior to class day. 9-11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, or 2-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, Room 123, Hammond Hall. See more OIT training classes.

Employment Information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139, or e-mail employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Volleyball Mavericks host Central Arkansas

The volleyball team will host Central Arkansas in a Southland Conference match at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at Texas Hall.

Senior Bianca Sauls led the Mavericks with 12 kills in a 3-0 romp past McNeese State last Thursday. Junior Alicia Shaffer had 24 digs in that match.

Junior Amanda Aguilera recorded 17 kills and 15 digs at Lamar on Saturday, but the Mavericks dropped a 3-1 decision.

Golfers finish seventh at Cabo tournament

UT Arlington finished seventh at the Cabo Collegiate golf tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which completed a three-day run Monday.

The top individual finisher for the Mavericks was freshman Enrique Livas, who shot a two-under-par 70 Monday to tie for 12th. Senior Zack Fischer and sophomore Paul McConnell finished tied for 22nd.

The Mavericks will be back in action this weekend at the Brickyard Collegiate in Macon, Ga.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, utamovinmavs.com, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Thursday, Oct. 7

Gallery 76102: flats and rounds Opening reception for artist Nicholas Wood, whose work manifests itself in hybrid forms with its relationship to painting, drawing, and sculpture. 6-8 p.m. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

Bed Races One of the oldest traditions on campus, the Bed Races teams four bed pushers and one rider and may consist of faculty, staff, or students. Prizes for fastest team and original costumes. Free admission. 7 p.m. Maverick Stadium. EXCEL Campus Activities and Campus Recreation, John Hillas, hillas@uta.edu, 2-2963.

Symphony Orchestra Concert Features Brahms, Dvorak, and Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with Rick Bogard of the UT Arlington music faculty as the trumpet soloist. $5. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Friday, Oct. 8

Vista Wind Quintet Recital Features Brazilian music. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 8-9

$2 Movie: Robin Hood The classic story of robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Planetarium, 2-1183.

Friday-Wednesday, Oct. 8-13

Virginia Garrett Lectures The Seventh Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the history of cartography looks at Charting the Cartography of Companies: Company Mapping, 1600-1900. An accompanying exhibit is in the Library's Special Collections. Register online. Sixth floor, Central Library. Carolyn Kadri, 2-7153.

Saturday, Oct. 9

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Central Arkansas. $6, utatickets.com. 2 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Monday, Oct. 11

Guest Piano Recital Pianist Sohyoung Park from Rice University performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Tuesday, Oct. 12

Music Honors Recital Music faculty members and outstanding students perform in solo and chamber music settings. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

One Mic Standing Southern boy Jarrod Harris pokes fun at himself and life in general. Free. 7:30 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 2-2963.

Ongoing

Planetarium programs See the newest show, Spacepark 360, an out-of-this-world entertainment experience. Get transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer. Planetarium schedule, 2-1183.

Private Collections II See Dallas and Fort Worth art collectors' private treasures. Free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Oct. 16. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

Downtown Farmers Market Arlington's downtown farmers market features locally grown produce and locally made baked goods, arts, and crafts. Co-sponsored by UT Arlington Dining Services. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays, 215 E. Front St.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)