The Maverick Factor

From growth opportunities to benefits, UTA offers a wide range of resources to give employees the tools they need to succeed and create a positive experience for students. Jewel Washington, vice president of Talent, Culture, and Engagement, shares her passion for human resources and discusses how her department is integrating UTA’s shared values into employees’ day-to-day work. She also highlights programs designed to keep faculty and staff engaged and connected to the UTA community.

This episode of the Maverick Factor dives into employee satisfaction at UTA—how it is measured through surveys and how those surveys lead to real change. Meet the Mavericks who lead teams dedicated to translating survey results into initiatives that make a difference for faculty and staff. Jackie Fay and Sandro Miljatovic discuss their efforts to build trust and show employees what UTA’s commitment to investing in its people looks like in practice.

Patrick Wilson, vice provost for online learning and academic innovation, joins host Lora O’Riordan for a conversation about online learning. They look back on their time as students and discuss how the online classroom has improved since then, with new technologies making it easier than ever to connect with classmates and professors. Dr. Wilson also describes the role academic innovation plays in higher education, whether that’s creating degree plans to allow students to explore multiple disciplines or investigating the impacts of AI—both positive and negative—on students’ learning.

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. 

UTA has celebrated its big birthday in bold and creative ways. President Jennifer Cowley shares her highlights of the 130th anniversary festivities and gives insight on what’s in store for the University’s bright future.

Join Lisa-Marie Akindayomi and Siam Tungnung, who are students on UTA’s Homecoming Planning Committee, for an inside look at what it takes to bring Homecoming to life. The two explain how this year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Homecoming” applies to the UTA community and discuss underrated events, favorite traditions, and memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Meet Steven Reynolds, an assistant coach for UTA’s women’s basketball team, and three of his daughters—Mila, Amiyah, and Kira—who are all beginning their first season with the Lady Mavs. The sisters discuss how their individual playing styles complement each other and what it’s like to be on the same team at the collegiate level after competing side by side in high school. Coach Reynolds shares his perspective on embracing the opportunity to combine fatherhood and coaching, all while supporting Head Coach Shereka Wright in leading the team toward its goals.

In this episode, we dive deep into the storied history of the University. Former Dean of Libraries Gerald Saxon and current Director of Special Collections Kera Newby take us on a trip through the rich archives of the University, sharing unique items in the collection and the meaningful and sometimes surprising stories behind them.

In this episode, host Melanie Skiles chats with students Harshdeep Singh, Faith Chipps, Kameryn McGlothlin, and Ashley Place about what they’re looking forward to as they kick off the academic year. Faith and Kameryn talk about their roles in helping rewrite UTA’s fight song, the creative process for developing the rhythm and the lyrics, and how it felt to contribute to a song that will be a cornerstone of spirited UTA occasions for years to come. Harshdeep, voted Mr.UTA, and Ashley, president of the College Panhellenic Council, explain their involvement in traditional Maverick Stampede events and how their participation in student organizations has shaped their college experience.

History Associate Professor Stephanie Cole joins us for the latest episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor. She and Jewel Washington, vice president of Talent, Culture, and Engagement, ring in Women’s History Month by discussing some of the women who influenced or inspired them, then turn to lesser-known figures who deserve more recognition. Dr. Cole shares some of the insights she gained while co-editing the book Texas Women: Their Histories, Their Lives and tells us which notable woman from Texas history she’d like to see highlighted in more classrooms. She also talks about her experience as a teacher and describes what it felt like to win the College of Liberal Arts’ Outstanding Teaching Award.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into undergraduate research at UTA with two special guests. Kay Johnson-Winters, faculty member and director of undergraduate research, explains how participating in research can help students unlock new passions, while Kritazya Upreti, undergraduate student from Nepal, shares his experience in the program and how it helped him grow as a student. Together, they also discuss their academic inspirations, research highlights, and why all undergraduate students should consider joining a research program at UTA.

Join head coaches KT Turner and Shereka Wright as they reflect on the basketball season so far, sharing key moments, standout performances, and what’s ahead for Maverick hoops. Get an inside look at the strategies and stories shaping their teams as they aim for success. Perfect for fans looking to stay connected to the action or anyone curious about the heartbeat of Maverick basketball.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant world of international education at UTA with two special guests: Jay Horn, the University’s longtime executive director of international education, who reflects on nearly three decades of fostering global connections on campus, and Shakil Ahmed, an actively engaged undergraduate student from Bangladesh, who shares his journey of adapting, thriving, and contributing to UTA’s diverse community. Together, they discuss the challenges, triumphs, and transformative power of cultural exchange, offering insights into what makes UTA a true global hub for learning and belonging.

In this episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor, host Shaunda Musick sits down with James Kumm, executive director of Military and Veteran Services at UTA, and Sebastian Molina, Army veteran and social work student. Together, they explore the University’s commitment to veteran-friendly resources, the impact of the Maverick veteran community, and Sebastian’s personal journey toward building a career focused on serving his fellow veterans. This episode dives deep into what makes UTA—ranked the No. 1 public university in the nation for veterans by Military Times—a top choice for veterans seeking purpose, connection, and new opportunities.

In this episode, Vice President of Student Affairs Lowell K. Davis shares insights on the Maverick student experience, from fostering traditions to leading new initiatives that enhance campus life. Hosted by Jewel Washington, the conversation delves into Davis' vision for student success and his perspectives on student engagement, both at UTA and within the broader field of higher education.

In this episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor, Tamara L. Brown, UTA’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, shares her inspiring journey to higher education leadership with Jewel Washington, UTA’s Vice President of Talent, Culture, and Engagement. Join us as she reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her passion for student success, from growing up in rural Virginia, to her own college experiences, and learn how that passion is helping drive exciting new initiatives at UTA.

In this episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor, we explore the exciting world of Maverick sports with Athletics Director Jon Fagg. Get an insider’s look at what’s happening for the program, Western Athletic Conference developments, highlights and achievements, and so much more. Buck ’em, Mavericks fans—this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

From growing up in public housing with his family in El Paso, Texas, to designing major league facilities like Arlington’s very own Globe Life Field, Fred Ortiz, global practice director and partner at HKS Inc., has come a long way. The proud Maverick shares his personal and professional journey, discusses pivotal life moments, and recalls how it felt to watch his beloved home team, the Texas Rangers, chart a historic postseason run in the stadium he designed.

In this episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor, join host McKenna Dowd, the UTA Planetarium’s program coordinator, as she delves into the wonders of the cosmos with Levent Gurdemir, UTA Planetarium director. Explore the science behind the upcoming total eclipse, discover the immersive events UTA is hosting around the big Solar-bration, and uncover the celestial wonders of the UTA Planetarium. Join us for an informative and enlightening conversation about exploring the phenomena of the universe—right here on campus.

In honor of Women’s History Month, host Yolanda Bevill, vice president of MME, talks to UTA’s very own history-maker, Jennifer Cowley—the 10th president of the University and the first woman to ever hold the office. Together, they discuss successful leadership, creating a compelling strategic vision, and more. Dr. Cowley also answers the eternal question: coffee or tea? (The answer might surprise you!)