The University of Texas at Tyler held its 2023 Faculty Staff Convocation recently. UT Tyler President, Dr. Kirk Calhoun, provided attendees with an update on some of the institution’s many achievements over the past year. Student Senate President Chloe Dix encouraged faculty and staff by explaining that her positive undergraduate experience at UT Tyler led her not only to want to return to the university to get her master’s degree, but also to serve in student government. Dr. Amentahru Wahlrab, president of the Faculty Senate, told his colleagues that he hopes 2024 will provide UT Tyler opportunities to build on the past while seizing opportunities for productive change. And Bruce Bettinger, president of the staff senate, encouraged his colleagues to see coming changes as opportunities rather than obstacles. Watch or listen to the entire convocation ceremony here.
JEFF JOHNSON: For UT Tyler Radio, I’m Jeff Johnson. The University of Texas at Tyler held it’s Fiscal Year 2024 Faculty Staff Convocation recently. UT Tyler President, Dr. Kirk Calhoun provided attendees with an update on some of the institution’s many achievements over the past year..
KIRK A. CALHOUN: As we begin a new academic year, the wind is in our sails. We transitioned the honors program into the Honors College, which, yes, which creates another level of prestige for the program and our university. The research you are conducting continues to elevate our reputation. You are doing life changing research helping NASA predict crop performance in space flight conditions, discovering ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the environment, addressing the mental health needs of students in our public schools, providing school districts with child and adolescent behavioral health, telemedicine services and addressing new treatments for lung disease. UT Tyler’s reputation is growing. Us News and World Report rated both our College of Engineering and our School of Nursing among the best. Our athletics program yes, yeah, let’s applaud that. Our athletics program is making a big name for itself, not only in the Lone Star Conference, but in the NCAA Division II as well. And our School of Medicine? Our School of Medicine enrolled its first class last month.
JOHNSON: Chloe Dix is president of the Student Senate. She encouraged faculty ans staff by explaining that her positive undergraduate experience at UT Tyler led her not only to want to return to the university to get her masters degree, but also to serve in student government.
[Chloe Dix: UT Tyler creates leaders and impacts everyone to take an active role in their lives and pursue greatness. Greatness comes in all shapes and sizes, but from what I’ve learned here at UT Tyler, simply doing your best and giving it your all will often take you places you never anticipated. We encourage our senators to take active roles with their constituents by meeting with their deans and communicating with students to be able to help the best of our ability. With our fall election fast approaching, we are looking to grow the Senate and harbor the dedication and commitment that UT Tyler represents with these young leaders.JOHNSON: Dr. Amentahru Wahlrab, president of the Faculty Senate, told his colleagues that, as a social scientist who appreciates history, he hopes 2024 will provide UT Tyler opportunities to build on the past while seizing opportunities for productive change.
AMENTAHRU WAHLRAB: Now I believe that a spirit of shared governance is the key to our institution’s continued growth and success. This means active engagement by faculty in raising issues and finding constructive solutions. Higher education, as we all know, is going through many changes at present, and I believe it is important for faculty to recognize and realize their potential to help sculpt those changes.
JOHNSON: Bruce Bettinger, the president of the Staff Senate, encouraged his colleagues to see coming changes as opportunities rather than obstacles.
BRUCE BETTINGER: In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, change is the constant that propels us forward. It challenges us to adapt, to innovate and to strive for greater heights. Embracing change is not easy. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and welcome new perspectives. Yet it is through change that we discover our true potential. It is through change that we evolve, learn, and grow. As we stand on the cusp of a new era, I urge each one of you to seize the opportunities that change presents. Let us see change not as a daunting force, but as a canvas upon which we paint our aspirations and dreams. Embrace it with open arms, for it is in those moments of transformation that we have the chance to redefine what is possible. Let us carry forward the torch of innovation, curiosity and dedication that defines The University of Texas at Tyler’s spirit. In closing, let today mark the beginning of a collective journey, a journey that embraces the uncharted territories of change and envisions a future where the University of Texas at Tyler continues to shine as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and progress. Together, we will champion the values that make us strong, and together we will shape a brighter tomorrow.
JOHNSON: Continuing with the theme of change, UT Tyler President Calhoun reminded those in attendance that the coming changes will make the institution and the region it serves stronger.
CALHOUN: In the turbulent landscape of higher education. Our ability to adapt to change is not just a survival skill, it’s a prerequisite for success. What are some of the challenges for UT Tyler? First is increasing competition in student recruitment and retention as the college-age population in the United States declines. Second is reducing the cost of higher education and managing costs in health care. We need reasonable, reasonable cost control while making substantial investment in our workforce, our people, equipment, and facilities. Third, technology is revolutionizing the way we teach, learn, treat patients, and do research. Virtual classrooms, artificial intelligence, digital resources, robotics, and transformation will drive us away from our comfort zones. Fourth, traditional degrees may no longer be the ultimate path to a meaningful career. Therefore, adjusting our offerings and curricula to prepare students for a new reality is appropriate. Fifth is the growing demand for lifelong learning. Education is no longer about simply earning a degree. It’s about continuous discovery, adaptation, and collaboration. Finally, UT Tyler is working to be relevant to the entire community, to offer more opportunity and be welcoming to students and stakeholders.
JOHNSON: If you’d like to listen to or watch the entire convocation ceremony - including a conversation among members of the UT Tyler executive leadership team - links are on our website, KVUT.org. I’m Jeff Johnson for UT Tyler Radio.
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