The University of at Arlington SPRING 2014

Bound for Success UTA partners with local schools to inspire top students

recent Arlington Independent School District student survey showed that 20 percent of A graduating seniors did not apply to college, a number that included as many as 27 percent of Hispanic grads. A new partnership between The University of Texas at Arlington and area school districts hopes to reverse this trend. Bound for Success is an early admissions initiative aimed at increasing the number of high-achieving high school scholars who ultimately earn college degrees. The collaborative program will identify high school students ranked in the top 20 percent of their class at the end of their sophomore year for pre-admittance to UT Arlington, contingent on completing the requirements for high school graduation. The University and the AISD pioneered the program last fall; similar programs are in the works at other school districts.

“We know that there are students who excel throughout Thanks to Bound for Success, a new initiative between UT Arlington and local school districts, high-achieving high school students can earn pre-admittance to the University and get access to college prep workshops, UTA admissions counselors, and more. their high school years but for a variety of reasons do not pursue a college education,” says Marcelo Cavazos, available weekly at each of the high school campuses to In his Morning News education blog, Bill McKenzie Arlington school district superintendent. “With this counsel Bound for Success students. They will work to called Bound for Success “a master stroke.” The new program, we are re-affirming that these students are help students maximize opportunities to earn college credit program, he continued, “gets more students thinking early prepared for success and that we are going to help guide through advanced high school courses and will guide them about college and will increase the flow of college-educated them along their path to a college degree.” to take classes that will prepare them well for college work workers for employers in Arlington and .” Luis Leroy, a junior at Sam Houston High School, says in the fields of their choice. Many students, through dual- “A college education can alter an individual’s life, but the his early acceptance letter from UT Arlington opened up enrollment and online courses, will also be able to receive impact of ensuring that more well-prepared high school his future after graduation. Now, UTA is one of his top college credit while they are still in high school. scholars advance through the University has the power choices after graduation. UT Arlington will provide specially focused financial aid to transform our communities,” President Karbhari says. “I didn’t even expect to go to college,” he says. workshops and college preparation workshops for students “Bound for Success will strengthen our workforce and President Vistasp Karbhari notes that the program and their families through the initiative. Participants mean that more young people will be prepared to create is “directly aimed at not just increasing the number of will also be invited to attend special receptions, lectures, the knowledge, technologies, and innovation needed to fuel students at UT Arlington but making sure that they are athletic events, and other campus activities to assist them the local and state economies for the future.” successful.” University admissions counselors will be in a smooth transition into college life.

President Vistasp Karbhari (center) poses with AISD students and trustees at Bowie High School during the announcement of the Bound for Success inititative. Larry Harmon, principal at Lamar High School, is to his immediate left.

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TOP HONORS TOP SHAPE UT Arlington ranks Assess your health and nationally as “Best for fitness with MavFIT Veterans” hether you are a triathlete, a weekend walker, or are looking for a new exercise T Arlington placed No. 70 of 120 institutions W plan, you need to have a good understanding of named to the “Best for Vets: Colleges U your current levels of physical fitness and health. 2014” list by Military Times, an organization that A new program at UT Arlington can help. comprises Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times, MavFIT offers a variety of assessments to measure and Marine Corps Times. The comprehensive your fitness level, including muscular strengths evaluation factored in academic rigor, veteran and weaknesses, body fat percentage, aerobic enrollment, percentage of tuition covered by the capacity, whole body fat percentage, and nutritional GI Bill, and availability of specific programs to help UTA has a number of initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment and condition. graduation rates for veterans, including a College of Nursing effort. veterans. Offered by the UT Arlington Department of UT Arlington has a long tradition of preparing Kinesiology, MavFIT provides community members cadets for military service, dating back to the University’s supported by federal and private grants. The College with quality fitness testing performed by staff founding in 1895 and the establishment of the Carlisle of Nursing, for instance, is working toward increasing exercise physiologists, kinesiology graduates, and Military Academy in 1902. In the last four years, enrollment and graduation rates for veterans to address the undergraduate exercise science students. UT Arlington boasted cadets who were ranked in the top nationwide shortage of nurses. A new School of Social Work MavFIT assessments employ state-of-the-art 20 nationally. The new “Best for Vets” designation by Military program is dedicated to better serving veterans and active technology and equipment, including a treadmill Times spotlighted the fact that veterans are a valued and members in the military with mental health needs. And to measure maximum oxygen uptake, a DEXA Scan vital component of the campus community, and that the the UTA wheelchair basketball team, the Movin’ Mavs, is to determine body composition, and the Wingate University is committed to providing a full range of services providing disabled vets with opportunities for enhanced Anaerobic Power Testing with a 30-second cycling for veterans to adapt and succeed in their academic pursuits. sports programming. test. Nearly 1,500 of UT Arlington’s 38,000 students are “UT Arlington has a rich history of educating service men UTA's MavFIT strives to help individuals build veterans. Information and services for service men and and women and a modern appeal for veterans who want healthier lifestyles. If you are interested in learning more about the program, email [email protected] for women are located in the new Students Veterans Assistance to pursue degrees in a wide range of academic and research pricing and a schedule or call 817-272-3669. MavFIT Center, which offers a central hub for advising, tutoring, disciplines,” President Vistasp Karbhari says. “While we are assessments are conducted at the Maverick Activities vocational counseling, and assistance with completing college, thrilled by this national recognition, we also are challenged to Center (MAC) on 500 W. Nedderman Drive. financial aid, and GI Bill applications. continue pursuing new models of supporting service men and Other notable efforts by the University to assist veterans women transitioning from military life to the university and include several research and programming initiatives beyond.”

community snapshot

Tastes of the Town Government in Action Rocking the (Early) Vote College Town UTA and several of the College Park Lt. Governor David Dewhurst discussed the Texas UTA Student Congress Vice President Loan Ho, District restaurants participated in the annual Taste of legislative process during a recent visit to one of Professor University President Vistasp Karbhari, and Lisa Karbhari Arlington charity fundraiser, which had the theme “Taste Allan Saxe’s political science classes at UT Arlington. took advantage of early voting on campus in March. University.” Here, UTA cheerleaders pose with Ronnie Graves, Arlington State College class of ’59.

Night Gathering Homecoming Spirit on Display UT Arlington President Vistasp Karbhari and Arlington Maverick pride came alive when thousands of community members, students, faculty, staff, and alumni packed the College Mayor Robert Cluck visited several neighborhood Park District for UT Arlington's annual Homecoming parade and basketball game. gatherings during National Night Out in the fall.

The University of Texas at Arlington Volume V • Issue 2 EXPLORE College Town

SPORTS TIME Maverick softball and baseball teams get a major facilities upgrade T Arlington’s spring sports are in full swing, as the Ubaseball and softball seasons kicked off just a few weeks ago. Since the end of last season, baseball’s and softball’s Allen Saxe Field have each undergone a number of improvements. New indoor baseball and softball practice facilities opened in 2013, and both stadiums have improved sound systems that will enhance their fans' game-day experience. Fuzzy’s Tacos now provides concessions at both facilities, and, for the first time, beer will be sold at games. Clay Gould Ballpark also features an adjacent picnic area that is available for group outings or for

just visiting with friends up-close to the action. The Maverick softball team has high hopes this year as it joins the . The roster includes All-WAC honoree Jim Baker, director of intercollegiate athletics, says these Nina Villanueva, who hit .483 throughout conference play last season. improvements are critical in continuing to develop the softball and baseball programs. office space for the coaches. Construction is expected to be University will recognize the generosity and contribution “This is a pivotal year for Maverick athletics, as we have completed by the start of the 2015 season. of alumnus Roy D. Wilson and his wife Patti, longtime moved to the Sun Belt Conference and are now competing Darin Thomas, head baseball coach since 2008, believes Maverick baseball supporters, with a matching gift from with a new cohort of like-minded universities,” he explains. that facilities are a top consideration for the best recruits, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth. The indoor “World-class facilities allow our student-athletes to be their who need space to study, prep for games, eat meals, and practice facility for the baseball team will be named in best, both on and off the fields.” gather together as a team. honor of their son. There are more facilities upgrades on the horizon. “This project will elevate our program and help us Tickets for baseball home games are only $5, while Following the 2014 seasons, ground will be broken on a build upon our history of developing winning teams and admission for all home softball games this season is free. $5.5 million project that, when finished, will include producing outstanding athletes,” he says. Visit utamavs.com for information and schedules for both improved seating for the softball and baseball stands, The improvements will be funded primarily by approved teams. Go to utatickets.com to order your tickets for all clubhouses for each team, press boxes, locker rooms, and bond proceeds as well as private philanthropic support. The UT Arlington athletic match-ups.

On the Web news & Notes The DNA of UTA T Arlington has created a new, content-rich website Giving Back Ucalled UTA DNA (uta.edu/dna) that highlights the Lend a hand at concentrated efforts and shared experiences that help define the University. The Big Event The site is built around 12 themes that reflect the depth, hroughout the year, Mavericks volunteer their breadth, and diversity of UTA, including “The Built Ttime, effort, and enthusiasm to improving our Environment” and “The Universe and Beyond.” Each community. On April 12, more than 1,000 volunteers will provides opportunities for the University to spotlight come together for a day of community service known as events, programs, news, and activities that connect in The Big Event. meaningful ways. Thus, the website is constantly changing, The Big Event is the largest one-day, student-run providing visitors with a dynamic place to explore. community service project in the country, and is hosted Visit the UTA DNA today to see all that it has to offer. at more than 70 universities nationwide. Community members are invited to join students, faculty, and staff at Maverick speaker Music and Art bonanza the 50-plus project sites across North Texas. Anderson Cooper Service projects take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For MAIN ST. Fort Worth Offers Insights more information, visit uta.edu/thebigevent. Arts Festival nderson Cooper, anchor of CNN’s Anderson hen you make plans to attend the 29th annual ACooper 360°, captivated a sold-out crowd at WMAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival on April on February 10. The journalist 10-13, be sure to make time to stop by UTA's booth and recounted his background as a war correspondent for listen to the live music on the UT Arlington Main Stage. Channel One News and ABC, and discussed his work at The festival is the largest four-day event and highest- CNN. Cooper has earned many accolades throughout rated arts festival in the southwestern United States. his career, including several Emmys, a Peabody, and Attendees will have the chance to hear hundreds of two GLAAD Media awards. musical acts on the three music stages, ranging from alternative rock to folk to cool jazz. On April 12, several

FUN IN THE SUN UTA jazz ensembles will perform. The UTA booth will provide giveaways and info about University programs and activities, and will give visitors a Summer camps entertain, Listen Live inspire kids of all ages chance to win an original piece of art. Center Stage Music Festival In addition to live music, the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts T Arlington hosts a variety of summer camps from Festival showcases the work of nationally recognized fine he Levitt Pavilion kicks off its season on Memorial May until August ranging from math to science, artists and craftsmen. More than $4 million of world- U TDay weekend with three days packed with music sports to music, and other topics. For a complete list of and family friendly activities. On May 24-26, the third class art is sold during the festival annually, from quality programs and registration information, visit uta.edu/ annual Center Stage Music Festival will offer free, live reproductions to one-of-a-kind treasures. summercamps. For info on Kids and Teens University, music, and will showcase dining options and activities Admission is free. Food and beverages, plus select hosted by the Division of Enterprise Development, visit available in Downtown Arlington. For a full lineup and event access, will be available for purchase. Visit the uta.edu/ded/ktu. event details, visit levittpavilionarlington.org. festival’s website, mainstreetartsfest.org, for more info.

UTA.EDU/COLLEGETOWN Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID College Town UTA is a community engagement Arlington, Texas Permit No. 81 initiative of the Division of University University Communications Communications at The University of Texas The University of Texas at Arlington at Arlington. Campus Box 19116 Arlington, Texas 76019-0116 Questions about College Town UTA? Contact us at 817-272-2761 or [email protected]. Jerry Lewis Vice President for Communications Amy J. Schultz Associate Vice President, Community Relations Debra Harrison Director, Community Relations Amber Zuckerman Assistant Director, Community Relations Kristin Vandergriff Special Projects Coordinator If you would like to receive this complimentary newsletter or Around Town, our weekly e-calendar of events, email us, call us, or visit the College Town UTA website. Find us on Facebook at College Town, UTA Find us on Twitter at CollegeTownUTA

The College Town UTA newsletter is published twice annually by University Communications for neighbors of UT Arlington. The comments and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent those of The University of Texas at Arlington or the staff of The College Town UTA newsletter. Copyright © 2014, The University of Texas at Arlington. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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College Town CALENDAR

on’t miss a thing in College Town UTA! Here’s a sampling of the wide compelling conversations Drange of activities, exhibitions, plays, concerts, lectures, athletics, and more. See Who’s at the Mic Tonight MARCH April 12: Engineering Saturday t UT Arlington, mavericks are defined as people March 11: Baseball: Mavericks vs Oklahoma April 12: The Big Event Community Service Day dedicated to making a difference in their own way. The Globe Life Park in Arlington A Various Locations University is proud to host the Maverick Speakers Series, an March 18: Maverick Speaker Series: Dr. Sanjay April 14: UT Arlington Night at the Rangers in-depth look at the people, ideas, actions, and solutions that Gupta Globe Life Park in Arlington leave a mark on the world. Join us for these upcoming lectures, College Park Center April 15-27: MavPlays One Act Theatre Festival sponsored in part by Texas Health Arlington Memorial March 20: Documentary screening: Wonder Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building Hospital: Woman! The Untold Story of American Superheroines April 17: Spring Jazz Concert University Hall, Room 108

March 24: Pulitzer-Prize Winning author April 24: UTA Bands Concerts Geraldine Brooks Irons Recital Hall Dr. Sanjay Gupta Central Library, 6th Floor Atrium Neurosurgeon and CNN chief March 29: UTA Wind Symphony Concert MAY May 2: medical correspondent Irons Recital Hall Opening Reception for Fine Arts March 18, 2014 Exhibition 7:30 p.m., College Park Center March 31: Downtown Arlington Arlington The Gallery at UTA Music Mondays May 9-11: First Baptist Church, Arlington Sanctuary Baseball: Mavericks vs Western Kentucky University APRIL Clay Gould Ballpark April 1: Baseball: Mavericks vs TCU May 9-11: UT Arlington Commencement Clay Could Ballpark College Park Center

Nina Totenberg April 4: World Class Glass Art Sale May 24-26: Center Stage Music Festival NPR legal affairs correspondent Studio A Center Levitt Pavilion April 8, 2014 April 4: Preview Day for prospective students 7:30 p.m., Texas Hall Ongoing and parents Various Locations College Park Center Free and preferred tickets are available at www.utacollegepark.com utatickets.com. April 8: Maverick Speaker Series: Nina Totenberg Continuing Education Texas Hall www.uta.edu/ced April 10-13: Main st. fort worth arts festival Special Delivery: What’s happening The Planetarium at UT Arlington Downtown Fort Worth Around Town www.uta.edu/planetarium There’s so much going on in College Town UTA! Be the April 11: Opening Reception for Masters of Fine Athletics first to know about upcoming educational, athletic, Arts Exhibition www.utamavs.com entertainment, and cultural events by subscribing to The Gallery at UTA Around Town, a free weekly e-calendar of events. To Summer Camps subscribe, email us at [email protected] April 11: UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert www.uta.edu/summercamps and include “Around Town e-calendar” in the subject line. Irons Recital Hall

All events are subject to change. Please visit www.uta.edu/events for the complete calendar of events, times, and ticket information.