UT Dallas News Center is an official news voice of The University of Texas at Dallas. http://www.utdallas.edu/news/ http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/5/14-23671_Former-Comets-Soccer-Standout-Signs-On-as-Head-Coa_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Former player and longtime assistant coach Jason Hirsch has been named the new head men's soccer coach at UT Dallas. Hirsch, who holds two degrees from UT Dallas, was an All-Conference athlete for the Comets during his four-year playing career (2002-2005) and served as the Comets' full-time assistant under former head coach Jack Peel for the past six seasons. ]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/5/6-23541_CARE-Awards-Honor-Staff-Members-For-Outstanding-Se_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Staff members who handle everything from keeping campus landscaping operations "green" to streamlining administrative processes were honored at the Spring 2013 CARE Awards. The Celebrate Achievement - Reward Excellence Awards honor employees who deserve special recognition for superior performance, outstanding customer service and enhancing the image of the University. ]]> Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/4/15-23121_Organization-Recognizes-Communications-Work_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS UT Dallas recently won multiple awards of excellence from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for projects ranging from News Center stories to magazine and website design. UT Dallas was chosen among the best in several categories of communications outreach at an awards ceremony held in Fort Worth last month. ]]> Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/3/28-22811_Residence-Hall-Group-Gives-UT-Dallas-Staffer-Highe_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Residential life coordinator Kathryn "Kaytie" Farrell's enthusiasm for mentoring students and developing leadership has earned her the Dan Hallenbeck Service Award, the highest honor a professional staff member can receive in the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. Peer advisors and colleagues who work with Farrell say she frequently goes above and beyond her normal tasks to make life easier for students living on campus. ]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/3/1-22391_Associate-Dean-Retiring-After-25-Years-at-UT-Dalla_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Dr. Scherry Johnson, associate dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and director of the Teacher Development Center at UT Dallas, will retire March 1 after 25 years at the University. A former classroom teacher and administrator, Johnson came to UT Dallas in 1988 when she was recruited by then-president Dr. Robert Rutford to be vice president of external affairs. In that role she was responsible for fundraising, news and information, publications, internal and external communications, and public and community affairs. ]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/1/18-21581_Awards-Honor-Staffers-Who-Go-the-Extra-Mile-for-th_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Staffers who are behind-the-scenes experts on everything from maintenance projects to the admissions process were recognized in the Fall 2012 CARE Awards. The semi-annual awards, created in 1999 by the Staff Council, were presented at a Nov. 28 ceremony. The CARE Awards, which stand for Celebrate Achievement - Reward Excellence, honor employees who deserve special recognition for superior performance, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the image of the University. ]]> Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/1/8-21441_UT-Dallas-Teams-Compete-With-Area-Businesses-for-a_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS UT Dallas helped raise more than $160,000 for Special Olympics of Texas this year through its participation in the city of Richardson's Corporate Challenge 2012. Corporate Challenge gathers Richardson-area businesses for 10 weeks of sports, recreation and fitness while raising money for a cause. ]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/11/15-20831_University-Honors-Employee-Service-Milestones_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS The University recognized last week 186 faculty and staff members who have devoted years-and sometimes decades--of service to UT Dallas. The 26th annual Service Awards saluted faculty and staff members who reached employment milestones of five, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of service between September 2011 and August 2012. "Each and every one of you contributes to making this a great University," President David E. Daniel told the honorees. ]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/10/9-20071_Fire-Survivor-Inspires-Others-by-Refusing-Obstacle_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Doctors told UT Dallas instructor Gina Patterson she'd never play sports again after suffering extensive burn injuries during a home fire in Arkansas. Nineteen years later, Patterson teaches physical fitness, sports and conditioning classes offered through the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at UT Dallas. ]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/9/11-19601_Vice-Provost-is-Named-CIO-and-VP-for-Information-R_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Vice Provost Andrew Blanchard has been appointed UT Dallas' vice president for Information Resources and chief information officer. Blanchard's appointment became effective Sept. 1, ending his service as IR's interim vice president, which began in May. "I am pleased to announce that Dr. Blanchard has accepted my offer to become the permanent vice president," said UT Dallas President David E. Daniel. "Please join me in thanking and congratulating him for his dedicated service in this key leadership position." ]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2012 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/4/2-16791_New-Program-to-Help-Balance-Daily-Needs_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS UT Dallas students, staff and faculty members looking for pet sitters, searching for summer camps for their children or seeking community volunteer opportunities are the target users of a new UT Dallas initiative. The program, called Workplace Options, addresses daily living needs such as childcare, education, elder care, wellness, and legal and financial issues. Its website offers monthly webinars and more than 5,000 articles, tips, resources, self-assessments and tools. Free and confidential round-the-clock telephone support is also offered. ]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2011/12/2-14481_Staff-Awards-Recognize-Outstanding-Service-to-UT-D_article-wide.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS UT Dallas President David E. Daniel has presented the CARE Award, which stands for "Celebrate Achievement - Reward Excellence," to six staff members who have demonstrated superior performance, offered outstanding customer service and enhanced the University's image with their work. Fellow staff members, faculty members, visitors and patrons of the University nominated them. ]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 -0600 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2011/11/2-13761_Corporate-Challenge-Participants-Share-More-Than-F_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS UT Dallas helped raise more than $162,500 for Special Olympics of Texas through its participation in the city of Richardson's Corporate Challenge 2011. Corporate Challenge gathers Richardson-area businesses each fall to compete in 10 weeks of competition for fun and fitness while raising money for Special Olympics. UT Dallas has been involved in Corporate Challenge throughout the event's 14-year history. ]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2011/10/27-13621_Badge-of-Distinction-Police-Chief-of-the-Year_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS UT Dallas Police Chief Larry Zacharias believes the right attitude, a willingness to work with the community, accessibility and a service mindset are key ingredients in the making of a good university police chief. UT System Director of Police Michael J. Heidingsfield sees those qualities in Zacharias and more. Heidingsfield presented Zacharias with one of two inaugural Chief of Police of the Year awards during the annual system-wide police chiefs' meeting in mid-October. Chief Tom Engells of UT Medical Branch-Galveston, also was honored. ]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2011/10/25-13591_UT-Dallas-Staffer-to-Head-Sickle-Cell-Groups-Board_article.html?WT.mc_id=NewsRSS Rosie Peterson, director of Institutional Diversity Initiatives at UT Dallas, has been named chair of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America board. Ms. Peterson started at UT Dallas in 2004 after nearly 22 years of professional experience serving individuals with special needs or those in medically underserved areas. She was the assistant director of the Sickle Cell Research Center from 2004 to 2008. ]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2010/02/01-001.php The University of Texas at Dallas has appointed Judy Barnes its new director of University events. Her major responsibilities include working with the offices of Development and Alumni Relations and Communications to manage events; and coordinating key traditions, including the University's graduation ceremonies. Mon, 1 Feb 2010 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2010/01/12-003.php Dr. J. Scott Wright, associate dean and director of the UT Dallas Health Professions Advising Center, was recently elected president-elect of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. He will serve a six-year term, with two years each in the role of president-elect, president and immediate past president. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/12/18-001.php Dr. Ellie Hakim, assistant director of the Student Counseling Center, has been elected to the board of the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/12/02-002.php The University's Customer Service Committee, in conjunction with the Student Affairs Office of Student Volunteerism, got ready for Thanksgiving by helping others, collecting and donating more than 1,700 pounds of food for the holiday. The donations benefited Richardson's Network of Community Ministries, an association of 60 churches and service organizations that serve 14 Zip codes in Dallas County. Wed, 2 Dec 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/11/30-002.php UT Dallas staff members won two gold, six silver and four bronze medals and an overall silver in their division during the 2009 Richardson Corporate Challenge games, which raised $118,000 for the Special Olympics. The city of Richardson organizes the annual event, which pits area businesses against one another in a 10-week competition that ended Oct. 28. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/11/16-001.php A recent ceremony at UT Dallas recognized employees for years of loyal service, including two who began their tenure well before 1969, when the university officially became a member of the UT System. In all, the 263 faculty and staff members who walked the stage to receive their awards have worked a total of 2,985 years for the university. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/11/11-003.php UT Dallas mourns the loss of longtime Facilities Maintenance staffer Randall Traynham. He died Nov. 9 at age 60. He was the maintenance supervisor for the Callier South Campus and the Center for BrainHealth and had more than 13 years of service with UT Dallas. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/10/15-002.php The UT Dallas Staff Council has elected an employee who has been affiliated with the University for almost two decades as its president for the 2009-2010 academic year. Daniel Calhoun, who works in Information Resources as a technical support manager, is the fifth person to lead the council since its inception in 1996. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/10/07-002.php The Office of Student Affairs has promoted Matt Grief to assistant vice president for student affairs. Grief, former director of housing operations, joined UT Dallas in 2006 to oversee and enhance campus living conditions. Grief will continue to oversee housing operations, the Student Union, the Comet Center and Comet Card office, and he will assume new oversight duties for upcoming renovation and construction projects. Wed, 7 Oct 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/10/07-001.php The Office of Student Affairs has promoted Dr. Cynthia Jenkins to assistant vice president for student affairs. Jenkins, an alumna of UT Dallas, has served as associate dean of students since January 2009. "The position offers me a tremendous opportunity to contribute even more to the positive experiences students have at UT Dallas," Jenkins said. Wed, 7 Oct 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/10/02-001.php The Office of Enrollment Management has turned to one of its own to oversee continued improvements of the University's computerized enrollment system. Tim Padgett will serve as the department's assistant vice president for enrollment technology. He previously had worked as an information systems analyst in the same office. Fri, 2 Oct 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/07/23-002.php The assistant director of the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program has been elected to an executive leadership role of the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association. Sherry Marek will serve a two-year term as secretary/treasurer for USPAA, an organization that develops best practices for the fast-growing number of undergraduate scholars programs at colleges across the United States. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/07/16-001.php UT System recently recognized three UT Dallas police officers for their work securing Galveston Island in the wake of Hurricane Ike, the third-most destructive storm ever to make landfall in the United States and the most intense storm of 2008. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/06/11-004.php A staffer who spearheads various McDermott Library teaching programs and another who makes sure its accounts are in order were winners of this year's Ethel Ward-McLemore Awards for Library Excellence. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/05/29-002.php The University's student counseling director explored the advantages of a relatively new behavioral therapy system in a keynote address at the annual meeting of the Texas University and College Counseling Center Director's Association. Fri, 29 May 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/05/28-003.php Dr. Frances J. Freeman recently joined UT Dallas as assistant vice president for faculty diversity in the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement. Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/05/19-001.php Leah Nall, an academic counselor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, recently was chosen as the University's Undergraduate Adviser of the Year. Tue, 19 May 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/05/11-002.php A driving force behind a program to help at-risk students and a veteran athlete on the University's Corporate Challenge team were among the six staff employees honored in the Spring 2009 CARE Awards. Mon, 11 May 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/05/08-003.php Chris Gage, director of intercollegiate athletics at UT Dallas, will spend May 10-16 in Port Saint Lucie, Fla., as director of the NCAA Division III National Men's Golf Championship Tournament. Fri, 8 May 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/05/06-002.php UT Dallas has won an award for implementing a treasury management system that automates bank reconciliations and streamlines receipts. Wed, 6 May 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/04/10-004.php UT Dallas police will participate in the National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week on April 12-18. This observance honors telecommunications professionals who provide 911 assistance. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/04/07-003.php A group from UT Dallas will present a talk on the changing theory behind the design and operation of college student unions at a conference this week in Anaheim, Calif. Tue, 7 Apr 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/03/23-003.php UT Dallas has recognized six employees, including a 24-year employee of the School of Arts and Humanities and a student adviser who gave more than 100 percent. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/02/04-003.php Cornelia McCowan, project supervisor for the UT Dallas Academic Bridge Program, has been published in a book of letters, prayers and poems that more than 100 women have written for the new first lady. Wed, 4 Feb 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/01/21-002.php Dr. Cynthia Jenkins has joined the Office of Student Affairs as an associate dean overseeing programs for living learning communities, service learning and disability services. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/01/16-001.php UT Dallas President David E. Daniel is the new president of TAMEST, an organization that includes more than 200 members of the Institute of Medicine, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences and 10 Nobel laureates. Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/01/14-002.php Members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science have chosen Kevin Finneran, editor in chief of Issues in Science and Technology, to be a fellow in the organization's Section on Societal Impacts of Science Engineering. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:00:00 CST http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/01/14-003.php University President David Daniel will lead a walk across campus to help kick off the Live Healthy Dallas 100-day Challenge. The team-based weight-loss and physical-activity program starts at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, and runs through April 23. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:00:00 CST