Published: Dec. 7, 2023
Our Experts Leading the Way
Whether on campus, in the local community or on the national stage, our team members exemplified being the experts in student life and well-being. They worked to promote student-centered programs, spaces and resources through speaking engagements, panel discussions and presentations.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly gave the closing remarks during the Hogg Memorial Auditorium Grand Re-Opening on Nov. 3. President Jay Hartzell and Ashley Baker Hayes, 2011-2012 Student Government vice president, also spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. University Unions planned an action-packed lineup of events for the reopening festivities held throughout October-November.
Reagins-Lilly also participated in the panel “Innovating a United Future: Nurturing Belongingness on Today's Campus” during the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities Annual Meeting on Nov. 14.
Reagins-Lilly and Heather Miller (Vice President for Student Affairs office) shared the Division’s role as the hub of student life and well-being on campus with the Texas Parents Ambassadors Council on Oct. 27. UTPD Chief Eve Stephens and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Davis provided these 43 parent volunteers with information about campus safety and the West Campus Ambassadors.
Associate Vice President for Health and Well-being Chris Brownson spoke to the UT Austin Health Science Scholars about mental health and identity during a mindfulness check-in event on Nov. 8.
Associate Vice President of Student Life and Deputy Dean of Students Doug Garrard retired after 34 years of service to the Division of Student Affairs. VP Lilly shared her gratitude and fond memories during the opening remarks at his retirement celebration on Nov. 28.
Terrance Hines (University Health Services) was sworn in as president of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians (TAFP) at the annual session and primary care summit, assuming his duties on Nov. 11 at the awards lunch.
Cecilia Lopez Cardenas (Recreational Sports) presented “Leveraging Software Tools for Project Management & Event Marketing” at the 2023 NIRSA/ACUI Collegiate Marketing Institute on Dec. 6.
Associate Vice President for Strategy and New Student Support and Executive Director of New Student Services Celena Mondie-Milner and Kelly Soucy (Dean of Students office) presented on student success and well-being initiatives during the Undergraduate College's Student Success Symposium on Nov. 17.
Ashley Richardson Minnitt, Katharine Sucher and Alyssa Skinner (New Student Services) presented "Creating a Roadmap to Success” at the Lake Travis ISD Special Services' Transition Night on Nov. 14. They discussed Longhorn TIES support services with students and families.
Thea Woodruff (Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services) presented about the Well-being in Learning Environments initiative during the Integrating Mindfulness to Improve Student Engagement lunch and learn workshop on Nov. 2. Woodruff partnered with SHIFT staff and the Center for Teaching and Learning to host the session about mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve memory and testing performance.