It is my sincere hope that this email finds you and your families healthy and doing well during these unprecedented circumstances. I want to take this opportunity to touch base with you in light of Chancellor Milliken’s recent campus message about my interim president appointment.

UTA is truly a special place, and that is directly attributable to the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who are the fabric of the Maverick Community. I am honored and humbled to be able to serve in this role and to be a part of an institution that embraces access and excellence equally.

As we soon conclude the spring academic term, ready the transition to Maymester and summer term classes, and finalize plans for the fall semester, I would like to briefly share with you my vision for UTA during this period of transition.

Firstly, I will maintain the University’s commitment to our core missions of student success and impactful research. Nothing is more important than our community of scholars, especially our students, and the meaningful research that is poised to make immeasurable contributions to our communities and industries.

Secondly, I ask that we continue our focus on maintaining and meeting the required criteria to achieve Texas Tier One designation. Doing so will cement UTA in the upper echelon of higher education and research institutions, an appropriate reflection of our highly talented faculty and robust academic programs. Achieving Texas Tier One designation will open countless doors for UTA’s future, from the humanities and the arts to science and engineering.

Thirdly, establishing the continued vibrancy of UTA will rely on our collective efforts to enhance the reputation of UTA through the strengthening of our strategic plan. From these continued and focused efforts, we will position UTA as a strong partner in Arlington, North Texas, and the state in driving workforce development and economic prosperity.

Finally, UTA succeeds when we bring together the collaborative spirit and expertise we see every day at UTA. Together with the campus community, and in partnership with our alumni, corporate partners, public officials, and other external stakeholders, we will continue the momentum of student success and research excellence.

I appreciate the campus community for all of your support, your feedback, and your ideas, particularly during this period of transition and as we navigate our response to the pandemic.

For our faculty and staff, please know that especially in these uncertain times, all your hard work and commitment to ensure our students learn and grow intellectually matters. The monumental effort of our faculty to continue teaching at the highest level while making the shift to online learning has been remarkable. I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and fortitude during these challenging times.

Together, we will stay focused, stay healthy, and stay strong. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything.