Dear DSA,

The semester is flying by and if you’re like me, you’re wishing time would slow down just a bit! Regardless, I am proud of the work you are all doing and feel we are making good headway with our Areas of Focus. The leadership team is currently providing me with updates on each of them and I can see you’ve been hard at work.

As we enter March, there is so much to celebrate!

Staff Appreciation Month

I hope you will participate in some of the activities planned for Staff Appreciation Month. These events and gestures are just a small way to say “thank you” for all the hard work you put in year-round. I want to highlight 2 events but know that there are many more available to you!

• Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon – March 8th; 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars to attend UNT’s annual luncheon and awards ceremony in the Coliseum. The awards presentation will begin around 11:50 a.m. and will include the presentation of Presidential Awards to 3 staff members. I’m so proud that one of our staff members – Desiree Padron, Director of the First-Generation Success Center – is one of the recipients. In addition, we will recognize Leandra Dinicola, Career Services Coordinator, for the Student Success Award, the Frisco Team and Counseling for Diverse Students for Teamwork Awards, and Sergio Renovato-Vasquez, Director of Student Affairs at Discovery Park, for a Spirit Award. 

• DSA Come and Go Breakfast – March 22nd; 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
  Join us for the DSA Staff Appreciation Breakfast! This is a come and go event so plan to stop by and grab some breakfast!

Woman’s History Month

Our division is lucky to have so many strong women serving our students! This month is a time to celebrate the strides women have made toward equality, as well as remember there is still work to be done. While there are so many great women who have paved the way for UNT and the Division of Student Affairs, I want to highlight one in particular today – Beulah Harris. Her story continues to inspire me, and I hope I leave a fraction of the legacy she left on our campus. Harris was the first woman hired as a member of the athletic faculty and founded the physical education department at UNT and the Green Jackets (1926). Although the Green Jackets began as an all-female service and spirit organization, today, any student can serve as a Green Jacket, and they continue to serve as volunteers at our events! This Woman’s History Month, reflect on the women who have made an impact on your life.

We still have a ways to go in the semester and I hope you can find time during spring break to take a deep breath and take time off or catch up on e-mails or projects. I appreciate all of you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth With Ed.D.

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs