The Maverick Factor

Graduate School Dean James Grover joins host Lora O’Riordan and current UTA student Faizah Kahn for a discussion about the value of a master’s degree, the best time to pursue graduate school, and how to find the right program. Dr. Grover also answers questions about UTA’s new Master of Multidisciplinary Studies and opportunities to save time and money through the Fast Track Program.

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.