University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 09-23-2010

Dr. Gerald Saxon

Gerald Saxon to step down as library dean

Gerald Saxon, dean of libraries, has announced he will step down from his administrative role in fall 2011 to return to his research, writing, and teaching in the area of Western and Southwestern history.

Dr. Saxon has served as administrator over the libraries since 2004. He plans a year's leave to further research and write, then will return to teaching as a full-time Department of History faculty member.

Donald R. Bobbitt, provost and vice president for academic affairs, says he is pleased that Saxon will continue to be a valuable member of and contributor to the UT Arlington community.

"Gerald's enthusiasm for Southwestern history is infectious, and his breadth of institutional knowledge is a treasure for our University," Dr. Bobbitt says. "His future students will benefit greatly from his love of research and teaching."

Under Saxon's direction, UT Arlington libraries made technological advances to better serve students, faculty, and staff; saw significant space expansion and renovation; and increased acquisition expenditures to about $6 million a year. Today, students and faculty may receive reference services via e-mail, use computerized white boards in group study rooms, and access many volumes remotely through the library's electronic services.

"There's been a constant effort to improve our facilities for students, faculty, and staff," Saxon says. "Our librarians are constantly in the classrooms, teaching literacy, bibliography, and research skills.

Saxon joined UT Arlington in 1986 as assistant director for Library Special Collections and development. He began serving a dual role as an adjunct professor of history in 1987. Among his publications, Saxon wrote the 1995 UTA Press book, Transitions: A Centennial History of The University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Kevin Schug

Chemistry prof taking science to State Fair

A UT Arlington chemistry professor and his students will leave their lab for the State Fair of Texas this weekend, taking with them fun experiments they hope will get fairgoers excited about science.

The first-time exhibit is funded by the National Science Foundation as part of Diversity in Science in the United States (DISCUS), a program started by Assistant Professor Kevin Schug. The DISCUS booth will feature live experiments demonstrating concepts such as density and gravity and some "chemistry magic." Features on famous minority and women scientists and microscope-aided lessons on microorganisms also will be part of the action.

"We wanted to reach as large a group of people as possible," says Dr. Schug, whose research focuses on developing new methods for drug discovery. "It occurred to me, here is a very large and diverse group of people that you could communicate science to. The fair just seemed like the perfect fit, and it's just right down the road."

Schug and his students have spent the summer preparing thousands of goodie bags of take-home experiments for all ages.

See more information about DISCUS.

Browsing around: Mary LeVesque, left, who manages the Computer Store at the UT Arlington Bookstore, demonstrates to electrical engineering freshman Jackie Brewer one of the many new products available to faculty, staff, and students.

Computer Store going strong in its new Bookstore location

Business is brisk for the Computer Store in its new home at the UT Arlington Bookstore.

Formerly located in Ransom Hall, and temporarily in the E.H. Hereford University Center last spring, the Computer Store can be found on the west side of the ground floor in the Bookstore.

The move solved space issues and resulted in operational savings for the University, says John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations.

"Combining the Computer Store with the Bookstore creates a much more convenient shopping experience for the campus community," Hall says.

The Follett Corporation acquired the rights to the Computer Store and manages the area through the Bookstore. The Computer Store was part of the Bookstore in the late 1980s, but was later made a separate entity, says Mary LeVesque, general book manager who oversees the computer area.

"We carried software and peripherals all along," LeVesque says. "We just did not have the contract to sell the licensed product."

Low academic pricing plus discounts on hardware, software, and accessories are available for faculty, staff, and students. Among the offerings are Office 2007 and 2010; Mac 2008 with the 2011 version available later this semester; Windows 7; some Adobe CS5 suites; Apple software; and several engineering and statistical packages such as Matlab, Mathcad, Pro/E, Mathematica, and SPSS.

Ken Burns

Burns' Maverick Speakers Series lecture sold out; stand-by tickets may be available

The last remaining tickets were picked up Tuesday for the 2010-11 Maverick Speakers Series opener "An Evening with Ken Burns" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at Texas Hall in a conversation moderated by Krys Boyd, host of KERA's Think talk show.

The event is free, but tickets are required. Anyone who wishes to attend but does not have a ticket may contact the Texas Hall ticket booth at 7:20 p.m. They will be accommodated as space and time allow. The evening will conclude with a book and DVD signing at 8:30 p.m.

Burns' films have won seven Emmy awards and been nominated for two Academy Awards. His latest film is The Tenth Inning, a two-part continuation of the Baseball series that aired in 1994.

Other works by Burns include The Civil War, Jazz, Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, The War, and The National Parks.

Boyd has been host and managing editor of KERA-90.1 FM's flagship midday talk show since 2006 and host of a weekly television edition of Think since 2007.

See more about the Maverick Speakers Series.

Special recognition President James D. Spaniolo, left, presents Dr. John L. Fry, former chair of the Department of Physics, with a professor emeritus certificate at the Fall Meeting of Faculty and Associates on Monday at the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Others receiving the professor emeritus designation were Dr. Vincent P. Apilado, finance and real estate; Dr. Carl McDaniel, marketing; and Dr. Roger D. Goolsby, mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Get your flu immunizations starting Monday at Health Services

Flu immunizations are available at Health Services beginning Monday, Sept. 27. Cost is $15 for faculty, staff, and students.

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.

Hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the Health Services Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

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

Health Services hosts Heart Day and Open House next week

Nutrition and education on maintaining a healthy heart are part of World Heart Day, along with handouts, snacks, and giveaways from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, in the Palo Duro Lounge at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

A Cyclethon is scheduled on Monday in the Maverick Activities Center as part of World Heart Day. Teams of five to 25 must keep a bike pedaling from noon to midnight. Teams that complete the task receive World Heart Day T-shirts. Individuals are welcome to sign up, too. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. Registration packets are at the MAC services and information desk.

Meet Health Services staff, tour the Health Center, and learn about services at the Health Services Open House from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Giveaways, snacks, health info, and a drawing for a $100 Wal-Mart gift card are planned.

For more information, contact Donielle Smith at Health Services, 2-2771.

How to challenge gifted students workshop offered for all faculty Sept. 30

"Challenging Your Academically Gifted Students" is the topic of the Instructional Support Session open to all faculty 1:30-4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, in Room 101 at Trimble Hall.

What should faculty do with the top 5 percent of students who are academically gifted? Based on research, universities in general are not challenging these students sufficiently to allow them to maximize their academic potential. Attend this session and learn how to better assist these students.

All faculty, both full- and part-time, are invited to participate. The session is taught by Mary Lynn Crow, professor in the College of Education and Health Professions. The program is free, but register by contacting Delene Remmers at 2-2737 or remmers@uta.edu. Handouts and light refreshments will be provided.

Monday is UT Arlington Night at the Rangers game

Tickets are still available for UT Arlington Night at the Rangers on Monday, Sept. 27. Game time is 7:05 p.m. as the Texas Rangers play the Seattle Mariners at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. President James D. Spaniolo will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game.

Get tickets at utatickets.com for only $6 (a $30 value) and sit in the UT Arlington block, or you can use your UT Arlington discount and buy tickets online at texasrangers.com/uta (use the password rangers). Sponsored by the Office of the President, University Events, and EXCEL.

Proposals for Academic Advising Association conference due Nov. 5

Faculty and staff interested in presenting at the Academic Advising Association annual conference should submit proposals by Friday, Nov. 5. Information should be submitted to UTAAA.

Don Asher is keynote speaker for the conference Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Asher is a nationally known speaker and writer on careers and higher education. His topics include choosing a major, on-boarding and retention, career re-entry and repair, and networking.

He has been the career columnist for USAirways Magazine, education columnist for MSN, and a contributing writer for the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com and CollegeJournal.com, careerbuilder.com, Dow Jones' Managing Your Career Magazine and National Business Employment Weekly, and the NACE Journal.

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Use your UT EID and UT Direct self-service features

The Office of Human Resources would like to remind you of the many employee self-service features available online through UT Direct. By using your UT EID (in order to access personal or secure information, your UT EID must be activated and upgraded to high assurance) and password, you can do the following.

Additional information and assistance is available on the Human Resources web page and in the UT Direct Employee Services Guide.

Continuing Education fall catalog available online

Whether for work or play, courses offered in the Continuing Education fall catalog have something for nearly everyone.

The Sustainability and Going Green program offers courses from basics, such as how to make a rainbarrell, to LEED Green Associate certification preparation. Online classes include everything from assisting aging parents and everyday math to entrepreneur workshops and SixSigma.

Learn more at uta.edu/ced.

GIS Workshop: Consumer Data, Geographics, and GIS

Learn about geographic information systems (GIS) and the various types of socioeconomic data available. This hands-on workshop requires no GIS experience. Free. 3-5 p.m., today, Thursday, Sept. 23, Room B20, Central Library. Joshua Been, GIS Librarian, been@uta.edu, 2-5826. See a list of other GIS workshops.

Introduction to Adobe Dreamweaver

Explore the tools necessary to use Adobe's powerful web editing software. Learn the basics of HTML and how it works. Choose a layout, create tables, upload photographs, and insert hyperlinks that allow you to create your space for the web. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, Room B29, Central Library. See more OIT training classes.

Mav Talk: Mind/Emotion Wellness Day

Screenings are available for stress, anxiety, depression, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, and alcohol and relationship concerns. The event is free and open to faculty, staff, and students. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Counseling Services, Mental Health Services.

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.

Digging in: Senior Bianca Sauls recorded a career-high 27 digs in the win over North Texas.

Mavericks trying to overcome setbacks on the road

Volleyball coach Diane Seymour would take the Texas Hall court with her—if she could—to the UT Arlington team's Southland Conference season openers this week. The Mavericks are 6-1 in matches at home this season, but 0-7 outside the friendly confines of Texas Hall.

The Mavericks play at UT San Antonio today, Thursday, Sept. 23, and at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Powering their way to wins over UT El Paso, Prairie View A&M, and North Texas, the Mavericks won the UT Arlington Hilton Invitational at Texas Hall last weekend.

Senior Bianca Sauls was named tournament MVP as her all-around effort accounted for 25 kills, 40 digs, 7 aces, 11 blocks, and 19 assists. Junior Amanda Aguilera, who had 45 kills in the three matches, joined Sauls on the all-tournament team for the Mavericks.

Golfers fifth at Waterchase Invitational

The golf team finished fifth at the UTA/Waterchase Invitational in its first tournament of the season Tuesday at the Waterchase Golf Club in Fort Worth.

Senior Zack Fischer, the Mavericks' top player, tied for ninth with a 54-hole score of 215, one under par. Senior Wes Worster shot a 6-under-par 66 in the final round to finish at even par 216 and in a tie for 12th. See the UTA/Waterchase Invitational results.

The golfers travel to the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic in Notre Dame, Ind., Monday, Sept. 27, and Tuesday, Sept. 28.

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

Thursday, Sept. 23

Poetry Slam Jam Poet and author Michael Guinn ('01 MSW) and friends bring their award-winning performances to campus. The first five groups to register will be invited to perform. A book signing follows. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Helen Hilson at hilson@uta.edu. Free. 6-9 p.m., sixth floor atrium, Central Library. African American Faculty and Staff Association.

Stars, Stripes, and Sousa The UTA Wind Symphony presents a concert in the style of the Sousa Band from early in the 20th century, with soloists, overtures, and great Sousa marches. $5. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music Department, 2-3471.

Friday, Sept. 24

Maverick Speakers Series: Ken Burns Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is interviewed by Krys Boyd of KERA. Sold out, but stand-by tickets may be available at 7:20 p.m. at the Texas Hall box office. 7:30 p.m., Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

Faculty Recital John Solomons of the music faculty performs an all-Chopin program. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music Department, 2-3471.

Sunday, Sept. 26

Bob Mintzer and the UTA Jazz Orchestra World-renowned saxophonist Bob Mintzer and the UTA Jazz Orchestra perform in an outdoor concert. Free. 7:30 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. 817-543-4301.

Ongoing

Fort Worth Abstract Fort Worth artists Jane Helslander, Winter Rusiloski, and Cecil Touchon display their abstracts with various media, including paint, collage, and photographs. Free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Through Sept. 30. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

Planetarium Programs This month see Stars of the Pharaohs; Wonders of the Universe; One Sky, One World: Big Bird's Adventure; Secret of the Cardboard Rocket; Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame; and the $2 Movie. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Private Collections II See some 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.

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