Hobson Wildenthal to Serve as Interim President of UT Dallas

Dr. David E. Daniel and Dr. Hobson Wildenthal
Dr. Hobson Wildenthal, provost and executive vice president at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been appointed interim president of the University by UT System Chancellor William McRaven.

Wildenthal’s appointment follows the recent announcement that UT Dallas President Dr. David E. Daniel will take on a new role as deputy chancellor and chief operating officer of the UT System.

The appointments are effective July 1. The UT System will launch a national search to select UT Dallas’ next president.

“I sincerely appreciate being asked by Chancellor McRaven to take interim leadership responsibility for UT Dallas,” said Wildenthal, who holds the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Chair of Academic Leadership. “It is an honor and a challenge that I will strive to meet successfully.” Read More

Office Merges Development, Alumni Relations, Communications

Susan Rogers
The University of Texas at Dallas has reorganized two university divisions to create the Office of Advancement, which will be headed by Susan Rogers. Formerly vice president for communications, Rogers has been named vice president for university advancement.

Rogers, who founded the University’s Office of Communications in 2006, described the merger as a natural step in the maturation of the University. “Many large universities employ the advancement model,” she said. “I’m excited about this opportunity and looking forward to bringing our team of talented, dedicated people toward new levels of accomplishment together.” Read More

Dean Gene Fitch Selected as New Vice President of Student Affairs

Dean Gene Fitch
The University of Texas at Dallas has tapped Dr. Gene Fitch Jr., associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, to become vice president for Student Affairs, effective June 1.

Fitch replaces Dr. Darrelene Rachavong, who is retiring after 32 years. “There is no way I will be able to fill her shoes. All the departments and offices, all the school traditions, all those things are her legacy,” Fitch said.

Fitch, who has been associate vice president for Student Affairs since 2014 and dean of students since 2010, will now report directly to the president as a member of the Cabinet. A national search is under way for a new dean of students. Read More

CARE Awards Honor Staffers Who Take It to the Next Level

Staff Council Spring CARE Awards Recipients
The Staff Council Spring CARE Awards Ceremony honored staff members who have gone above and beyond to fulfill their duties at UT Dallas.

The honored were (from left): Julie Welch, Department of Physics; Brenda Walston, William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences; Narcely Ruiz, Galerstein Women’s Center; Joe Jennings, Facilities Management; Roxanne Minnish, Office of Advancement; and Molly Seeligson, McDermott Scholars Program. Read More

Training Videos Walk Users Through Info Security Solutions

Based on feedback received from campus leaders, the Information Security Office is expanding its training to include videos that can be viewed on demand.

The videos are licensed from the SANS Institute and are part of the “Securing the Human” series already used by many universities and corporations. The professionally produced videos average 3 to 5 minutes per topic. For users who find it difficult to attend classes and special events, the videos offer an efficient alternative, available from the convenience of their desks or homes. Read More

Computer Science Outreach Center to Offer Coding Camps

The Center for Computer Science Education and Outreach will offer more than 100 coding camps this summer with a 40 percent registration discount available to immediate family members of UT Dallas faculty, staff and current students.

There are camps for students of all grade levels. Popular camps will be repeated for several weeks to provide scheduling flexibility. Questions? Email the Center for Computer Science Education and Outreach, or call 972-357-6893.

Disability Policy Reinforces Commitment to Accommodations

UT Dallas recently published a policy for Reasonable Accommodations for Person with Disabilities as part of its commitment to providing students, faculty, staff and visitors with equal opportunity and access to University programs, activities and facilities. Learn more at the ADAAA Disability Resources site, or email questions to [email protected].

Office of Student Volunteerism Coordinating Nepal Donations

The UT Dallas Office of Student Volunteerism is helping to raise disaster relief funds for people affected by the recent Nepal earthquakes. To donate, visit the Student Volunteerism Marketplace page.

UT Dallas Police Welcome 4 New Officers to the Force

UT Dallas Police Badge
The UT Dallas Police Department held swearing-in-ceremonies recently for Officer Hunter Landry, Officer David Rue and Officer Kelly Reynolds.

Landry is returning from Utah to Texas, where he was previously an officer for the Farmersville Police Department and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office. Rue formerly worked with the Plano Police Department and a community college in Illinois. Reynolds worked for the Rowlett Police Department.

The department also welcomed a new public safety officer, Cameron Gage.

Going on Vacation? Give Your Lights and PC Some Time Off, Too

Taking a vacation this summer? You can help conserve energy by remembering before you leave to power down computers, turn off your lights and close any window blinds in your office. For more green tips and information, visit the UT Dallas Sustainability website.

Office of Research Seminars

Upcoming seminars in the Office of Research series include: