Influencing the Longhorn Life Staff Newsletter
Published: April 1, 2025
Several Division of Student Affairs staff members represented UT Austin at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference, the national gathering of student affairs professionals. Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Katie McGee hosted a reception for UT Austin staff, friends and alumni to share the impactful contributions to students by the Division of Student Affairs and the University.
- Susan Buckenmeyer (Office of the Dean of Students) with Alma Garcia (Clemson University): “Engaging in Fundraising for Student Affairs When Development Is Not in Your Job Description”
- Kian Greely and Aaron Voyles (Office of the Dean of Students): “Closing the Gap: Investing in Successful Student Organization Culture”
- Kelly Soucy and Aaron Voyles (Office of the Dean of Students): “Planning for Disruption: Responding to Demonstrations at Graduation”
- Aaron Voyles (Office of the Dean of Students) received the 2025 NASPA Faculty Council Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Scholar-Practitioner.
Jennifer Barnoud (University Health Services) partnered with Breanna Esbenshade (University Housing and Dining) to lead a free meal planning workshop and cooking demo. The drop-in workshop offered hands-on food prep, meal planning tips and creative recipe ideas to help participants build confidence in their food choices.
James Butler (Longhorn Wellness Center) advised the Beach Volleyball team on how to integrate mindfulness techniques into their practices and games. He oversees a continuing partnership between mindful UT and the team, and as a result, the team has established a mindfulness captain.
Melissa Eshelman (Counseling and Mental Health Center) was featured in The Daily Texan Audio episode: Longhorn Essentials: Campus Psychiatric Care.
Hannah Zurko (Disability and Access, Disability Cultural Center) presented to Liberal Arts Career Services staff about resources. She shared best practices when coaching students seeking disability related information along their path to career success.