I am pleased to announce two important hires in the Office of Talent, Culture and Inclusion (TCI) that will support the success of our students and employees. Cruz Imelda Wicks has accepted the role as the new assistant vice president of inclusion and belonging, and Maria Delgado will be our senior director for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI). Both Imelda and Maria will begin their new roles on March 27.

Imelda comes to UTA from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she was program director of diversity, equity and inclusion. I believe that her passion and experience will be instrumental in helping us enhance our culture of inclusion and belonging here at UTA. 

Maria joined the UTA family in 2021 as co-founder of the Hispanic-Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certificate program in the College of Education. Our goal is and always has been to be not just a Hispanic-Serving Institution, but a Hispanic-thriving institution. We believe that with Maria’s vision and creativity, we can create a culture where all are valued, accepted, respected, and belong.

I want to thank all those at UTA who have worked tirelessly to help this University on its journey to build our new Office of Talent, Culture and Inclusion and become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. We also want to thank both search committees, chaired by Edith Reed and Christian Zlolniski, and the faculty and staff who gave input and guidance throughout the search process. This successful outcome is the result of all of us working together. We will continue to need ideas, thoughts, and actions as we continue down the path toward becoming a thriving institution that supports an environment of inclusion and belonging.