Campus News at UT Dallas

Campus News

News of broad interest to the campus community and general public about UT Dallas and its accomplishments.

Gala Recognizes Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Olympic swimmer and cancer survivor Eric Shanteau held his gold medal up, urging the audience to become champions in their own right – to become champions of diversity. Shanteau was speaking as master of ceremonies for the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s 4th annual Diversity Awards Gala, which honors students, staff, faculty and community members for their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Andrew Blanchard Named Dean of Undergraduate Education

Veteran UT Dallas professor and administrator Dr. Andrew Blanchard has been named the University’s next dean of Undergraduate Education. Blanchard, who joined the UT Dallas faculty in 2001, has served in a succession of key University positions. He currently serves as vice president for Information Resources, following five years of service as vice provost. .

UT Dallas Enlarges Comet Cab Fleet With 2 Solar-Powered Vehicles

UT Dallas has added two new solar-powered Comet Cabs to its fleet. The all-electric, enclosed cabs are air-conditioned and can accommodate 14 passengers on their journeys across campus. This makes a total of six Comet Cabs that have been added by the University since November 2011.

Conference Brings Together Communication Experts

The need for communication courses in higher education and how to improve them were the focus of a recent UT Dallas conference that drew more than 50 representatives from universities, community colleges and high schools recently. “Although the rapid pace of modern life and the explosion of new communication technology have contributed to a decline in interpersonal skills, this conference illustrated that students still need to be taught the ‘basics’ to be successful in their social and professional lives,” said Dr. Shelley D. Lane, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the School of Arts and Humanities at UT Dallas.

UT Dallas Building to be Named for Philanthropist Edith O’Donnell

The new Arts and Technology (ATEC) building under construction at The University of Texas at Dallas will bear the name of one of Texas’ most generous philanthropists in honor of her long-standing dedication to higher education, scientific research and the arts. The Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building is a 155,000-square-foot facility at UT Dallas that will house programs in visual arts, emerging media technology and multimedia communications, as well as a 1,200-seat lecture hall.

Former UT Dallas Police Chief J.W. Golden Mourned

J.W. Golden, UT Dallas’ first chief of police who served from 1974 to 1997, passed away May 4 in Richardson. During his 23-year tenure, Golden built the UT Dallas Police Department into a staff of 13 commissioned officers and 19 security guards, three dispatchers, a secretary and four clerks.

Summit Emphasizes Internal Auditors’ Role in Battling Cyberattacks

The onslaught of security breaches has companies increasingly relying on a group of professionals not typically known for their roles in preventing cyberattacks: internal auditors. Businesses have a growing need for internal auditors who can size up their data security policies and potential risks, said speakers at the recent UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management’s 8th Annual Fraud Summit.

Campus Community Reminded of Emergency Information Channels

UT Dallas is distributing door hangers and magnets across campus with information to help faculty, staff and students stay connected in an emergency, when traditional communications systems can be overwhelmed. The hang tags, which provide links to alternative communication channels, will be distributed to the campus community in offices, departments, classrooms, labs, meeting spaces, residence halls and apartment complexes.

Spring Arts Festival to Showcase Music, Artwork

Featuring the work of more than 600 students from more than 40 courses, the School of Arts and Humanities at UT Dallas kicks off The Spring Arts Festival this week. The Festival, which runs until May 11, invites the public to campus for classical music, jazz, dance, guitar, piano and vocal performances, as well as an art exhibition and reception.

Events Include Guitar Duo, Dance, Talk on China's Media

A talk from a visiting scholar about the developing trends in Chinese media will kick off a week of events that also includes a musical concert and dance performance. On Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m., the School of Arts and Humanities and the Confucius Institute at UT Dallas will present a public lecture, “The Changing Landscape of Chinese Media and Communication,” in conjunction with the Confucius Institute’s Distinguished Lecture Series.

GPS System Helps Riders Track Bus Locations From Afar

Comet Cruiser bus riders can now use a web-based GPS system to track the locations of campus buses. The new service is the latest technology provided onboard, adding to free Wi-Fi, scrolling messages and multiple security cameras.

Rocket Contest Competitors Strive for Height, Cargo Protection

The UT Dallas chapter of the Society of Physics Students held a model rocket competition to engage the campus community and the public in an educational activity. Winners of the contest were chosen based on rocket height and whether a raw egg onboard made it through the journey.

Weekend Concerts to Feature Jazz Band, Classical Pianist

A jazz band led by seasoned saxophone performer Mack Goldsbury and the solo piano artistry of Russian classical musician Dmitri Ratser will make up the programs of two very different concerts organized this weekend by the School of Arts and Humanities. Up first, on Friday, April 19, the Grammy-nominated Goldsbury will present an eclectic range of jazz pieces. The crossover-jazz saxophonist will be joined on stage by UT Dallas faculty member Kelly Durbin on piano, Victor Cager on vocals, Lou Harlas on bass and Duane Durrett on drums.

Corporate Executives Discuss Technology and its Effects on Corporate Culture

Four senior executives spoke about technology and changing corporate culture during a recent forum at UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management. The panel session, “Delivering Value Through Managed Innovation,” was co-hosted by the Center for Information Technology and Management and Kalypso Consulting.

Weekend Arts to Include Music from Across the Globe

UT Dallas will host musicians and dancers from across the globe this weekend. The School of Arts and Humanities has scheduled events that include both classical piano and Peking Opera. On Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m., French-Iranian pianist Nima Sarkechik will give a concert featuring an eclectic mix of music.

International Week Provides Opportunity to Celebrate Cultures

SLIDESHOW: International Week is a UT Dallas tradition that celebrates culture on campus. During the week, held April 1-5, students shared information about clothing, cuisine, design and music at the signature Passport to the World event and the International Talent Show. Other popular activities included Zumba dancing, henna and a dance party. International Week is sponsored by the Student Services Office and other student organizations and campus departments.

Sally Ride Festival Draws Hundreds of Budding Scientists

About 800 middle-school girls, family members and teachers enjoyed a science-filled day at The University of Texas at Dallas during the Sally Ride Science Festival April 6. UT Dallas faculty and students were among the 250 volunteers, presenters and exhibitors who joined corporate and community partners to bring science to life during the afternoon of hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

Earth Week Challenges UT Dallas Students to Go Green

Mount RecycleMore, an interactive display of recyclables, will be one highlight of Earth Week observances on campus April 15-20. Organizers also have planned an informational fair, workshops and an off-campus service opportunity. “What we aim for with Earth Week is awareness, advocacy and direct service to the community,” said Monalisa Amidar, assistant director of the Office of Student Volunteerism, which organizes Earth Week events along with Student Government and the Office of Administration's Sustainability department.

Regents Approve Projects to Expand, Enhance Campus

The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved two building projects for UT Dallas and the next phase of campus landscape enhancement as part of the system’s Capital Improvement Program. Regents approved in February construction of a $33 million extension of the Center for BrainHealth that will be known as the Brain Performance Institute. Once funding is secured, the newly constructed 67,500-square-foot facility will house the institute’s national headquarters.

Students and Alumni to Perform Lanford Wilson's 'Book of Days'

Book of Days, a drama by one of America’s premier playwrights that features a full cast of current and former UT Dallas students, headlines this week’s UT Dallas arts schedule. A gallery lecture and a trio of exhibits round out the offerings. Book of Days opens Thursday, April 4, at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre. The play, written by Lanford Wilson, follows Ruth Hoch, an accountant at the local cheese factory, who has just been cast as the lead in Shaw’s Joan of Arc.

Hearing Aid Researcher Chosen to Receive Callier Prize

Dr. Harvey Dillon, an Australian whose research has contributed greatly to improving the effectiveness of hearing aids, will receive the biennial Callier Prize in Communication Disorders at an April 27 conference. Presented by UT Dallas’ Callier Center for Communication Disorders, the prize recognizes individuals for fostering scientific advances and significant developments in the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. The honor rotates between the fields of audiology and speech and language pathology, and it includes a $10,000 award.

Holocaust Remembrance Concert to Feature DSO Musicians

Musicians with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as part of its Principal Players Fund, will work with UT Dallas’ School of Arts and Humanities and The Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies to present Through Roses: A Holocaust Remembrance Concert.

Summer Camps Offer Youngsters Fun, Skills and Taste of UT Dallas

This summer, UT Dallas plays host to more than two dozen summer camps geared toward K-12 students with interests in robotics, chess, sports and more. Some students will build a solar car and others will operate unmanned flying vehicles.Through the camp activities, students become acquainted with the UT Dallas campus while having fun and exploring new learning opportunities, said Raul Hinojosa, director of Community Engagement at UT Dallas.

Slideshow: Springapalooza Brings After-Break Fun to UT Dallas

Springapalooza 2013 got the University humming with several activities as students returned to campus after spring break. The weeklong celebration was put on by the Student Union Activities Advisory Board. From Splatterdancing to music at the Plinth to sharing good food, the week was the perfect way for students to get back to work and finish the Spring 2013 semester.

UT Dallas Hosts Spelling Bee for Best Spellers Throughout the Area

For the Dallas County Spelling Bee, more than 80 area elementary and middle school students came to UT Dallas with one common goal: to tackle some of the most difficult words in the English language. UT Dallas recently hosted the annual event for the fourth time.

Chess Team Prepares to Compete in Final Four of Chess

With the season’s biggest tournament on the horizon, the UT Dallas chess team has been working on its quest to claim the top spot in college chess next month. Over spring break, the team played in two tournaments and faced a pool of international competition to prepare for what’s considered the “Final Four” of chess, also known as the President’s Cup.

Grad Degree Addresses Need for Experts in Actuarial Science

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently approved the creation of a master's degree in actuarial science at UT Dallas, the first such degree program to be offered in the state. UT Dallas’ Department of Mathematical Sciences, which currently offers a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, will begin accepting students to its master’s program in September.

Events to Include Musical Theater, Poetry and Values Lecture

A musical about Cole Porter, a reading by an Irish poet, and a lecture on compassionate care in modern medicine make up a diverse week of events sponsored by the School of Arts and Humanities.

U.S. News Ranks University's MBA Programs in Top 50 Nationally

UT Dallas’ MBA programs have been named among the nation’s top 50 institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 ranking of graduate schools. Several of the University’s other graduate programs were also listed among the best in the country. The rankings evaluate more than 1,250 U.S. programs.

Facilities Open Under Adjusted Hours During Spring Break

Spring break runs March 10-16 at UT Dallas, and many University facilities will operate under restricted schedules during this time. Classes resume Monday, March 18. Consult the University academic calendar for details.

Girls Encouraged to Pursue STEM Career Possibilities at Event

High school students visiting UT Dallas for Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day met with industry professionals, received a first-hand look at some of the latest trends in engineering and worked to build new creations of their own.

Real Estate Curriculum to Train Next Generation of Professionals

As North Texas’ real estate market rebounds, the Naveen Jindal School of Management is having a boom of its own. The school has launched a new curriculum to train the next generation of brokers, appraisers and other industry professionals. Enrollment is growing fast.

Annual Report: Statistics Show University's Momentum Continues

UT Dallas has once again met or exceeded its major objectives toward establishing itself as one of the best research universities in the country. The achievements—in enrollment, student success, research, technology transfer, faculty growth and fundraising — are reflected in a newly released annual report that details the year’s successes.

University Begins 12th Annual ChessFest This Week

The 12th annual ChessFest will bring a week of chess-related events and activities to the University and the greater DFW area. “Chess Fest is a special time each year when we invite not only the UT Dallas community but the wider area community, as a whole, to join us in celebrating chess on our campus,” said Jim Stallings, the chess program director.

12th Annual Guitar Festival to Showcase International Talent

The School of Arts and Humanities at UT Dallas will host the 12th annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival this week with performances from a number of international musicians. “We are very excited this year. We have wonderful featured performers in Gustavo Costa and Eliot Fisk, a larger number of contestants in the competitions, and a judging panel of unprecedented size and scope,” said Dr. Enric Madriguera, director of guitar studies at UT Dallas.

Sci-Fi Writer to Give Talk on Values in Medicine and Research

The Center for Values in Medicine, Science and Technology at UT Dallas continues its fourth annual lecture series Wednesday with a talk from think tank consultant, science advisor and fiction writer Greg Bear. Bear will give a talk titled, “Doctors on the Front Lines: Adjusting Patient Care in an Age of Changing Paradigms.” The lecture is Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jonsson Performance Hall.

Basketball Teams Shoot for Conference Championships

The UT Dallas men’s and women’s basketball teams will both be vying for conference championships this weekend with the Comet men looking to earn top honors on their home floor. UT Dallas will host the American Southwest Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament Friday through Sunday at the Activity Center. The Comets open play Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Schreiner.

New Director Named for Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies

Executive Vice President and Provost Hobson Wildenthal has announced the appointment of Dr. Abby Kratz to succeed Dr. Debra Pfister as director of The Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies.

Week Full of Arts Events Includes Memorial Concert

The School of Arts and Humanities has scheduled events this week that include a bilingual reading, a theater production, an a cappella choir performance and a memorial guitar concert. read more

Engineers Week Brings Spotlight to High-Tech Work

Engineers Week will include on-campus activities that start Friday and continue through next week, with interactive demonstrations of research by professors and students in Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, tours of local high-tech companies and tech talks given by industry and academic engineers. A speech from President David E. Daniel kicks things off.

UT System Approves Guaranteed Tuition Plan

The University of Texas System Board of Regents voted Thursday to approve a guaranteed tuition option for all of the system’s nine academic campuses. This move comes six years after UT Dallas implemented its own fixed tuition plan. UT Dallas President Dr. David E. Daniel offered the board information this week about the University’s guaranteed tuition plan, which he pioneered in 2007.

Award-Winning Novelist Ben Fountain to Read from Latest Work

The School of Art and Humanities at UT Dallas will host an award-winning author and present an absurdist comedy this week. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jonsson Performance Hall, author Ben Fountain will read from his novel, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, which was both a National Book Award and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. From Thursday, Feb. 14, to Saturday, Feb. 16, starting at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre, UT Dallas students will present Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Princeton Review Ranks UT Dallas One of Nation's Top Values

The University of Texas at Dallas has earned recognition as one of the best values among the nation’s public colleges for the first time by The Princeton Review. The list includes 75 public and 75 private colleges and universities and was released Tuesday in the book The Best Value Colleges: 2013 Edition. The book features profiles of each of the 150 institutions named.

Black History Month Celebrated With African Dance Exhibition

The UT Dallas Multicultural Center kicked off its Black History Month celebration with African dance demonstrations on Tuesday. Students learned and practiced traditional dance moves to the music of the visiting Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble. Black History Month continues this weekend with a concert, movie and two special food events.

Film, Dance Group, 2 Concerts Fill Arts Schedule

A film based on a UT Dallas professor’s novel, a contemporary dance performance and a saxophone jazz concert followed by a night of classical chamber music fill out an eclectic week of entertainment sponsored by the School of Arts and Humanities. Tickets to all events are free to UT Dallas students with valid identification. The schedule

Staff Couple Set the Standard for Campus Recycling Push

If UT Dallas has a mascot for recycling, it would be the husband-and-wife staff team Leroy and Jo An White, who work tirelessly to collect paper, plastic, cardboard, aluminum and ink jet cartridges from offices in most buildings on campus. “They are nonstop workers, picking up shredded paper and collecting paper, plastics and aluminum,” said Bron Clayton, building services supervisor and recycling coordinator. “And they always do it with a smile. They’re like our recycle messengers.”

McDermott Library Mourns Passing of WWI Aviation Expert

McDermott Library’s History of Aviation Collection lost an expert and longtime volunteer recently when Ken Rice died at age 87. The Plano resident had been associated with the HAC since it started at UT Dallas in 1983. Researchers from all over the world sought out Rice for accurate information on the German air force during World War I. Rice’s research focus for many years was the famous A.E. Ferko collection, obtained from the Ferko estate in 1997. Ferko was known internationally as an authority on every phase of World War I combat aviation, especially the German aces and outstanding fliers.

UT Dallas' Master Plan for Future Development Earns Award

UT Dallas’ master plan for a mixed-use development near the proposed Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Station on the Cotton Belt Rail Line has earned a Dream Study Award from the Greater Dallas Planning Council. The award, which recognizes an unbuilt project that displays sustainability efforts in the planning process, was presented jointly to UT Dallas and the city of Richardson during the council’s annual Urban Design Awards ceremony on Dec. 5. The council has recognized excellence in local urban planning and design for the last decade.

Values Lectures to Take Look at Health Care and Medical Science

The Center for Values in Medicine, Science and Technology at UT Dallas is launching its fourth annual lecture series, The Heart of Medicine: Ethics and Values in the Science and Practice of Medicine. “In medical practice, we see the ways that human values, scientific and technical knowledge, and economic and political motives interact,” said Dr. Matthew J. Brown, director of the center.

MLK Breakfast Brings a Pivotal Event to Life

UT Dallas students toting picket signs that demanded jobs, equal pay and integrated schools marched, protested and sang together at the University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Breakfast. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom occurred on Aug. 28, 1963, during the height of the fight for civil rights, but UT Dallas students brought history to life last week by re-enacting the event.

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