Black Alumni Chapter

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The Black Alumni Chapter of UTA is dedicated to supporting and empowering our alumni, current and future students, faculty, and staff, with a commitment to uplifting each other. We strive to create meaningful connections for all of our members, in order to foster a supportive community of students, educators, professionals, and beyond. Our mission is to provide invaluable resources that cultivate success in academic and professional endeavors. Our values are respect, integrity, collaboration, and progress.

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For more information about events and programming, join the Facebook group or fill out the Black Alumni Chapter online interest form.

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Leadership

Xavier Egan

Xavier Egan, Chair

('11 BBA, Finance)

Highlights

  • 15+ years of Accounting, Finance, and Business Strategy
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Finance from UT Arlington

Professional Resume

  • Capital Asset Advisors, President (2020 – present)
  • River City Business Alliance, Director of M&A (2012 – 2020)
  • DynCorp Intl, SBU CFO (2012 – 2018)

Campus Experience

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc - Zeta Chi Chapter – Initiated Spring 2004
  • President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc – Zeta Chi Chapter – 2006
  • NAACP, BSA, NABA, etc. (Member)

Latoya Oduniyi, Chair Elect

('08 BAIS)

Latoya Oduniyi

Highlights
  • 15+ years of Health & Wellness Subject Matter Expert for College and Universities
  • Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2008 from UT Arlington
  • Masters in Public Health, anticipated graduation 2023 from UT Arlington
Professional Resume
  • University Wellness Coordinator, University of Texas at Arlington (2022 – Current)
  • Assistant Director, Health Services, Health Promotion Office, University of Texas at Arlington (2008 – 2022)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (2003 – 2013)
Campus Experience>
  • NAACP President (2006 – 2007)
  • Black Student Association Member (2004 – 2008)
  • Health Services Intern
  • Student Health Advisory Committee
Jeremy Bennett

Jeremy Bennett, Marketing Chair

('09 BBA, Management)

Highlights
  • 10+ years CPG/Retail experience
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Management from UT Arlington
Professional Resume
  • Acosta Sales & Marketing, Senior Business Manager (2021 – present)
  • Campbells Snacks, Market Sales Leader (2015 – 2021)
  • Target Corporation, Executive Team Lead (2010 – 2015)
Campus Experience
  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc - Zeta Chi Chapter (Spring 2007)
  • President of National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) – 2008
  • Mr. UTA – 2009

Linus Spiller-Craft, Student Recruiting Chair

('21 BA, Broadcasting)

Linus Spiller-Craft

Highlights
  • 18 years in Education (K-12, higher education, non-profit support)
  • Bachelors of Arts in Communication (Broadcast), Minor - Sociology, UT Arlington
  • Masters of Arts, Political Science, Eastern Illinois University, Anticipated Graduation: 2025
  • Former City of Dallas Board appointee (Environmental Health Commission; Strategic Customer Services)
  • 2008 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for Community-Based Tutoring/Mentoring Project (Top 6 Colleges and Universities in the Nation – Brookhaven College)
Professional Resume
  • Dallas College, Success Coach, Academic Advising (2023 - Current)
  • Dallas ISD, Instructor (2021-2023)
  • Education is Freedom, Higher Education Advisor (2018-2020)
  • Texas A&M University – Commerce, Financial Aid Loan Coordinator (2011-2016)
Campus Experience
  • President’s Council, Student Representative
  • Council of Dormitories – Co-President (male)
  • NAACP Student Chapter – Secretary
  • Black Student Union – Secretary
  • National Association of Black Journalists, Student Chapter – President
  • Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity (AΩO)
  • Student Activities Board Fashion Council – Chair
Memberships
  • Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, Dallas, TX
  • National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Washington, DC
  • Dramatists Guild of America, New York, NY

Action Plan

See the Black Alumni Chapter's full action plan. 

The Black Alumni Chapter is dedicated to supporting and empowering our alumni, current and future students, faculty, and staff, with a commitment to uplifting each other. We strive to create meaningful connections for all of our members in order to foster a supportive community of students, educators, professionals, and beyond. Our mission is to provide invaluable resources that cultivate success in academic and professional endeavors. Our values are respect, integrity, collaboration, and progress.
We at the Black Alumni Chapter are committed to creating meaningful connections and providing resources that will empower our members. Through collaboration, respect, and integrity we strive to foster an environment of growth and achievement, which will support alumni, current and future students, faculty, and staff alike.
We believe in fostering meaningful connections, respect, and progress to support our alumni, current and future students, and faculty and staff in all their academic and professional endeavors.
We are excited to join forces with on-campus black student, faculty, and staff organizations to forge meaningful connections. Through our collaboration, we aim to create a lasting impact within our community. Our annual events are the perfect place to meet and connect with inspiring people.
  • We are excited to offer a Black Student Reception, providing an invaluable opportunity for incoming freshmen students. This event will connect them with helpful campus and alumni resources that can support their college transition journey.
  • Black Alumni Banquet is an annual event that celebrates everyone who has worked hard throughout their career. You can mingle with like-minded professionals from all over, and it also gives us a chance to connect with one another for business opportunities or other meaningful connections.
  • Homecoming Reunion is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, catch up on what everyone's been up to since graduation, and make new memories. There will be lots of festivities around campus - don't miss your chance for a fun-filled weekend.
  • Join us for the incredible Black Excellence Graduation, a memorable event that brings together campus organizations to recognize and applaud students' & faculty's academic accomplishments. This will be an evening of magic as we celebrate transitioning into the next stage in life.
  • Take a tour of your campus and get to know it like the back of your hand. Join in on social activities that will help you make lasting memories with new friends and, if desired, give back through community service opportunities!
  • Alumni Relations Committee: Black Alumni Banquet, Homecoming Reunion, etc.
  • Student Relations Committee (Current & Future): Black Student Reception, University Tour, etc.
  • Faculty & Staff Relations Committee: Social Media, Email Blast, Website, Phone Calls, Text, etc.
  • Fundraising Committee: Outreach and relationships
  • Scholarship Selection Committee: based on bylaws
  • Advisory Committee: historians with relationships and advice
  • Adhoc
  • Our mission is to be a platform for discovery - lifting ideas up and taking them to the next level.
  • We want to be a beacon of progress that encourages exploration, success, and connection - allowing our members to reach their full potential!
  • Together we will build a network of support that encourages growth and achievement!

Chapter Interest Form

If you are interested in starting a chapter, or just looking to get connected to an existing group, fill out this chapter interest form.

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