The Maverick Factor

The University of Texas at Arlington

5.0 (2)
EDUCATION

Welcome to the Maverick Factor podcast where you’ll hear stories about shared dreams and bright futures at UTA. Our students, faculty, and staff will discuss academics, tradition, culture, athletics, and their personal connection to the University spirit. You’ll feel the spark that makes UTA a great place to study, teach, work, and play. Come listen as we share the Maverick Factor./p>

MAR 18

Spirit Horses Stampeding Campus

In this episode, host Lora O’Riordan sits down with Andrew Miller, senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, to explore the story behind UTA’s Spirit Horses—from their arrival on campus to the student-led selection process that built a corral of 17 symbols of Maverick pride. They also reflect on the Year of the Fire Horse and how its bold, transformative spirit mirrors the UTA student experience.

23 min
12/09/2025

President Cowley Talks 130 Years of Maverick Excellence

UTA has celebrated its big birthday in bold and creative ways. President Jennifer Cowley shares her highlights of the 130th anniversary festivities and gives insight on what’s in store for the University’s bright future.

13 min
11/04/2025

The Magic Behind Homecoming

Join Lisa-Marie Akindayomi and Siam Tungnung, who are students on UTA’s Homecoming Planning Committee, for an inside look at what it takes to bring Homecoming to life. The two explain how this year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Homecoming” applies to the UTA community and discuss underrated events, favorite traditions, and memories that will stay with them for years to come.

17 min
10/21/2025

A Full-Court Family Bond

Meet Steven Reynolds, an assistant coach for UTA’s women’s basketball team, and three of his daughters—Mila, Amiyah, and Kira—who are all beginning their first season with the Lady Mavs. The sisters discuss how their individual playing styles complement each other and what it’s like to be on the same team at the collegiate level after competing side by side in high school. Coach Reynolds shares his perspective on embracing the opportunity to combine fatherhood and coaching, all while supporting Head Coach Shereka Wright in leading the team toward its goals.

17 min
09/09/2025

130 Years of Maverick History

In this episode, we dive deep into the storied history of the University. Former Dean of Libraries Gerald Saxon and current Director of Special Collections Kera Newby take us on a trip through the rich archives of the University, sharing unique items in the collection and the meaningful and sometimes surprising stories behind them.

27 min
08/18/2025

Talking Traditions at UTA

In this episode, host Melanie Skiles chats with students Harshdeep Singh, Faith Chipps, Kameryn McGlothlin, and Ashley Place about what they’re looking forward to as they kick off the academic year. Faith and Kameryn talk about their roles in helping rewrite UTA’s fight song, the creative process for developing the rhythm and the lyrics, and how it felt to contribute to a song that will be a cornerstone of spirited UTA occasions for years to come. Harshdeep, voted Mr.UTA, and Ashley, president of the College Panhellenic Council, explain their involvement in traditional Maverick Stampede events and how their participation in student organizations has shaped their college experience.

33 min
03/12/2025

Exploring Women's History

History Associate Professor Stephanie Cole joins us for the latest episode of Discovering the Maverick Factor. She and Jewel Washington, vice president of Talent, Culture, and Engagement, ring in Women’s History Month by discussing some of the women who influenced or inspired them, then turn to lesser-known figures who deserve more recognition. Dr. Cole shares some of the insights she gained while co-editing the book Texas Women: Their Histories, Their Lives and tells us which notable woman from Texas history she’d like to see highlighted in more classrooms. She also talks about her experience as a teacher and describes what it felt like to win the College of Liberal Arts’ Outstanding Teaching Award.

21 min
02/12/2025

Shaping Futures with Research

In this episode, we take a deep dive into undergraduate research at UTA with two special guests. Kay Johnson-Winters, faculty member and director of undergraduate research, explains how participating in research can help students unlock new passions, while Kritazya Upreti, undergraduate student from Nepal, shares his experience in the program and how it helped him grow as a student. Together, they also discuss their academic inspirations, research highlights, and why all undergraduate students should consider joining a research program at UTA.

26 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Welcome to the Maverick Factor podcast where you’ll hear stories about shared dreams and bright futures at UTA. Our students, faculty, and staff will discuss academics, tradition, culture, athletics, and their personal connection to the University spirit. You’ll feel the spark that makes UTA a great place to study, teach, work, and play. Come listen as we share the Maverick Factor./p>

Creator

The University of Texas at Arlington
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

17
Rating

Clean
Copyright

©2023-24
Show Website

The Maverick Factor