College of Business student takes on UTA's top student leadership role

No matter the title, Andres Morales sees each role through the same lens: service.

At first glance, the junior management and operation systems major’s resume reads like someone who has spent years building a legacy at UTA. In reality, Morales has accomplished all of it in just a few short years.

Before arriving on campus, Morales spent years serving in the U.S. Navy, where he developed the leadership skills and problem-solving mindset that has contributed to his success both inside and out of the classroom.

“Being in the military, especially the Navy, it's a lot of supply chain and moving parts, so that was something I was already used to,” Morales said. “I’m also using my GI Bill and knew I wanted to graduate with two degrees to take advantage of the benefits, and management was also something similar to what I’ve been doing, so combining the two just made sense to me.”

For Morales, UTA offered him the opportunity to be close to family while pursuing an education that aligned with his future goals. 

“I really wanted to be next to my family after being gone for so long,” Morales said. “I knew a lot of people that went to UT Arlington and are very successful.”

Andres Morales poses for a photo. Photo courtesy of Andres Morales.  

Determined to make the most of his time on campus, Morales quickly became involved in student government. He was elected as a senator representing the College of Business and immediately began working on initiatives designed to improve the student experience.

Morales said that much of what he learns in his operations and management classes has influenced his leadership on campus.

"Knowing more of the ins and outs of supply chain and how everything works gives me a clearer view of things and helps me foresee not only solutions, but potential problems," Morales said. "My accounting classes have also helped me understand where we can make adjustments without impacting our operational readiness while still supporting students on campus."

His impact continued to grow after being elected vice president of student government. During his term, Morales launched UTA’s first campuswide food drive in partnership with the Maverick Food Pantry. The initiative united more than 20 campus departments and student organizations and collected more than 7,000 food items for students experiencing food insecurity.

Morales' leadership extends beyond UTA through his service on the University of Texas System Student Advisory Council, where he was recently elected secretary of the executive board and helps represent students across all 14 UT System institutions. Outside of student government, he remains active in Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, Inc.

Despite balancing academics, leadership positions and extracurricular involvement, Morales credits organization and discipline with helping him manage his responsibilities.

“I have one, two, three, four calendars,” he said. “It’s honestly because of my calendars, I remember to do stuff.”

He also credits College of Business faculty members Antonia Gkergki and Roger Wehr with helping shape his approach to leadership and service.

“Every time I went to class, I was like, ‘You know, I want to be like them,’” Morales said. “I want to be that motivated, be that strong.”

As student body president, Morales plans to continue focusing on the issues that matter most to students. While he understands there are limits to what student government can accomplish, Morales believes effective leadership begins with listening.

“Because myself, alongside my vice president, we’re the bridge that connects the student body to the administration,” Morales said.

That sense of responsibility extends beyond the student body and to the College of Business community he represents.

“Whatever I do, it also reflects onto the College of Business,” Morales said.