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In this episode, host Lora O’Riordan sits down with Andrew Miller, senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, to explore the story behind UTA’s Spirit Horses—from their arrival on campus to the student-led selection process that built a corral of 17 symbols of Maverick pride. They also reflect on the Year of the Fire Horse and how its bold, transformative spirit mirrors the UTA student experience.
Driven by the desire to help others, Andrew Miller became a psychologist at a university counseling center in 2005. He continued working in counseling services until 2014, when he became the assistant vice president of student affairs, to expand his reach and advocate for more students. From active listening to understanding how life events affect students, Drew continues to utilize the knowledge and skills he gained as a psychologist to further his impact in Student Affairs. He started at UTA in 2024 as the senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students and has been a proud Maverick ever since.
Forever Maverick Lora O’Riordan returned to her alma mater as the director of internal communications and strategy in 2025. In her role, she oversees two internal newsletters—MavWire and Trailblazer—and campuswide messaging. Lora earned two bachelor’s degrees from UTA 15 years apart—the first in journalism, which was the basis of her 30-year airline career, and the second in political science, which helped her discover her knack for regulatory and policy issues. This interest led her to Embry-Riddle University, where she earned an MBA in aviation regulatory and policy. 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 fulfills that goal.
UTA Ambassadors bring the spirit horses to campus by selecting the horses’ design and artist and coordinating logistics. A few UTA Ambassadors who have helped the program grow shared their favorite spirit horse and why it is special to them.
“As a UTA cheerleader, I see Pride every time I enter College Park Center, and it has been there through my first homecoming parade, my first game, and every nervous moment in between. Now that my college experience is coming to an end, I look at Pride and see resilience, memories, and a reminder that I was able to shine through it all.”
“And Beyond is a reminder to aim high with our goals and ambitions as we continue learning and growing toward our future careers, and that even if we miss the moon, we are still among the stars!”
“I think Lasting Imprint represents the impact every Maverick leaves on campus. The handprints symbolize how our involvement and leadership shape UTA’s legacy. It reminds me that every small moment can create a lasting difference.”
“Maximus Eventus represents the change in culture and education of UTA over the past 130 years, and I've personally felt impacted by this. Additionally, I was a member of our spirit horse committee that made decisions for Maximus to come to campus.”
“Blaze serves as a reminder that UTA isn't just a campus we walk through every day; it's a community that extends beyond university grounds and into the city around us. Blaze stands near downtown, like a bridge between campus life and the heart of Arlington, showing that even when we step off campus, Maverick Pride is all around.”
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