As we finish the first full week of fall classes, I hope you feel as proud and fortunate to be a Maverick as I do. The energy and school spirit felt across campus over the past two weeks has been both inspiring and invigorating, with a continuation of the Maverick Stampede, including a lively MavsMeet Convocation, West Campus grand opening, cookouts, midnight shopping, and other events to kick off the year. As we transition into the new semester, I encourage you to build on this momentum and provide your students with support for success while challenging them to grow both in and outside the classroom.

The new semester marks new beginnings for not only students, but also faculty and staff. As President Karbhari mentioned in his recent email, over 70 new faculty joined us this fall. They represent disciplines from all our colleges and schools and, as you can see in their profiles, they excel in fields ranging from African-American slavery and abolition to nano-architectured electrodes and morphing aircraft. In total, these new faculty have received over $5 million in STARs Awards from the UT System and are eager to further their research and make lasting impacts on our students. Please help me reach out to our new colleagues, offer a warm welcome, and provide assistance and mentorship.

Thank you for being part of the Maverick family and supporting each other.

I look forward to seeing you on campus and wish you the best in the new semester!