University College Learning Center Staff
Catherine Unite
Director of the University College Learning Center
- Oversees operations of the Learning Center, including UTSI (University Tutorial & Supplemental Instruction) and SSS (Student Support Services) programs
- Coordinates efforts and outreach to academic departments and faculty
About Me: I started at UTA in June of 2011, after having been previously employed at the International Center for Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where I supervised both the SI and Tutorial programs, and conducted national Supervisor Training in my capacity as an internationally certified SI and Video-Based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) Trainer. Prior to my appointment at UMKC, I was Head of the SI National Office for Southern Africa, at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and was formerly a lecturer in Sociology, at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE). Born in the United Kingdom, I have varied international experience in higher education. I live with my husband and three children in Flower Mound, Texas, and enjoy reading and traveling, as well as spending time exploring the Metroplex with my family.
Hometown: Amersham, UK
University Tutorial and Supplemental Instruction
Rebecca Bailey
Assistant Director
- Oversees recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of all Tutors & SI Leaders.
- Coordinates activities related to Start Strong Tutoring Program.
About Me: I returned to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in May 2010 from Kansas City, where I worked for five years at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and two years at the University of Kansas. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Finance and a Master's degree in Counseling and Student Personnel, both from Oklahoma State University. I enjoy playing golf, spending time with my friends and family, reading, shopping, watching sports, and traveling.
Hometown: Highland Village, Texas
Blanca Gonzales
Administrative Assistant II
- Supervise office staff and procedures.
- Payroll and accounting.
- Student and department billing.
- Assist director and assistant director in development and implementation of Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring program initiatives.
About Me: I started with UT Arlington in early 2007, working for the College of Nursing. I moved to the Office of Development, and then later to the College of Engineering before becoming part of the UTSI team in Spring 2011. I am fortunate to have great friends in many different departments across campus. Born and raised in Chicago, I moved to Texas in 2000. Since then, I have been a resident of Arlington attending school, working, and raising my family. I have a wonderful husband, 2 amazing daughters 17 and 10; and 2 very energetic sons 4 and 1 1/2. When I am not busy with my hectic schedule, I love to travel and enjoy doing fun stuff with my family.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
TRiO-Student Support Services Staff
Jennifer Luken Sutton
Director
I am a proud UT Arlington alumnus (’04 and ’06) and a product of the TRiO Programs. During high school I participated in the TRiO UB and UBMS programs. I chose to attend UT Arlington after attending the UTA UBMS summer program. My favorite thing about UTA is Oozeball; it's a great tradition (mud volleyball)! I would like to share a quote that inspires me: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” - unknown
Amy Reece
Educational Specialist
I have worked at UT Arlington since 2003. I am so happy to be a part of the SSS and TRiO team. I really love working with students and I will do everything that I can to support my freshmen and sophomores. My hobbies include crafting, baking and reading. I also enjoy spending time with my family.
Kendall Stephenson
Tutor Coordinator
I am an alum of UT Arlington. At SSS, I assist with scheduling tutoring sessions and help the staff with data entry, office record keeping and maintaining the resource library. Some advice I have for students: Having a successful college career comes from learning about yourself. Once you know yourself, you can take ideas from your courses and apply them to your own life and goals. The more time you invest in learning, the more you'll come to understand about yourself.
Eileen Ferbend
Administrative Assistant
I enjoy spending quality time with my family and close friends. The one thing that I like most about working for SSS is that the students are our first priority. We serve our student participants by providing them with the necessary services and tools they need to be successful at UT Arlington.