Influencing the Longhorn Life Staff Newsletter
Published: Oct. 28, 2025
Denali Diaz-Torres and Jillian Sánchez (Office of the Dean of Students) presented “For Students, By Students: A Peer-Led Hazing Prevention Model to Transform Campus Culture” about empowering student staff to lead hazing prevention efforts at the Texas Association of College & University Student Personnel Administrators (TACUPSA) annual conference.
Kian Greely (Office of the Dean of Students) presented “Closing the Gap: Strengthening Student Organization Culture to Prevent High-Risk Behaviors” at the Texas Association of College & University Student Personnel Administrators (TACUPSA) annual conference. Her session was honored with the Outstanding Educational Session Award, recognizing impact and excellence.
Melissa Eshelman (Counseling and Mental Health Center) was honored with the Psychiatric Excellence Award by the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians (TSPP). TSPP works alongside the American Psychiatric Association to advance psychiatric care, promote collaboration and share knowledge. Dr. Eshelman was unanimously selected for this award, recognizing her dedication, hard work and exceptional contributions to the field of psychiatry.
AJ Inglis (SHIFT) represented SHIFT at the Mindful Sips: Stigma Symposium, joining voices from the Center for Students in Recovery, Sans Bar, St. Edward’s University and Austin’s sober community. Hosted by the Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, the Mindful Sips seminar series explores the neuroscientific, genetic and social dimensions of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders, with a focus on reducing stigma.
Andy Lemons (Recreational Sports) was featured in the latest Human Resources Learning and Development Manager Spotlight.
Saul Perez (Office of the Dean of Students) has been selected as one of this year’s Association for Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting Interns. Chosen from a national pool of applicants, Perez’s selection marks the first time a UT graduate assistant has earned this distinction.
Ashley Richardson-Minnitt and Katharine Sucher (Longhorn TIES) led a four-hour Neurodivergence-Affirming training for 50+ faculty and staff at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Emily Shryock (Disability Cultural Center) was the keynote speaker at the statewide Viva la Vida with Assistive Technology Conference. The annual conference, hosted by the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP), promotes access to assistive technology for Texans with disabilities and those who are aging, supporting independence, education, employment, recreation and community engagement through advocacy, awareness and specialized programs.
Kayleigh Spaulding (Longhorn Wellness Center) met with colleagues at Baylor University in April 2024 to share insights on the Longhorn Wellness Center’s HHTXT program as they developed their own initiative. Baylor has since launched a similar texting program, which was featured in this Inside Higher Ed story.