Learn more about our latest episode.
Graduate School Dean James Grover joins host Lora O’Riordan and current UTA student Faizah Kahn for a discussion about the value of a master’s degree, the best time to pursue graduate school, and how to find the right program. Dr. Grover also answers questions about UTA’s new Master of Multidisciplinary Studies and opportunities to save time and money through the Fast Track Program.
James Grover, dean of the graduate school, started as a faculty member at UTA in 1993, where he also served as associate dean and interim dean in the College of Science and Interim Dean in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs. During his two decades as a UTA professor, Dr. Grover supervised eight completed doctoral dissertations and over 20 master’s students, and he mentored over 50 undergraduate research students. Grover said that becoming the dean in 2019 has allowed him to support more people in earning an education and pursuing their passions through research. “Building the structures and organizations that accomplish the core missions of a university is very rewarding,” he said.
Undergraduate student Faizah Khan chose UTA because of the support she experienced from faculty and staff as a dual credit student and the many resources available for first-generation college students. Now a junior majoring in data science, she is passionate about exploring how data can be applied across different industries. Outside the classroom, Faizah has been involved in several campus organizations, serving in leadership roles with Women in Business, Student Government, and the Honors College Programming Board. As co-host of the Maverick Factor podcast, she hopes to share an authentic student perspective and inspire prospective Mavericks to find their place at UTA.
Forever Maverick Lora O’Riordan returned to her alma mater in 2025 as director of internal communications and strategy. She oversees campuswide messaging and UTA’s internal newsletters, MavWire and Trailblazer. Lora earned degrees in journalism and political science from UTA and an MBA in aviation regulatory policy at Embry-Riddle University. After a 30-year airline career, she was thrilled to return to UTA to tell the stories of the University and its students, faculty, and staff. Hosting the Maverick Factor podcast is one of the many ways she spotlights the people who shape UTA.
With over 120 doctoral and master’s degree programs, UTA offers opportunities for students to strengthen their expertise, dive deeper into research projects, and stand out among job applicants by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning.
Available in a wide variety of disciplines, Fast Track Programs save students time and money by allowing them to get a head start on their master’s degree as an undergraduate. Students complete graduate courses that double as advanced undergraduate electives in their final year as an undergraduate. This reduces the overall number of credits required to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree, helping students reach their goals and enter the job market sooner than they would with a traditional master’s degree.
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