The late nights. The group projects. The research papers. The coffee runs. The moments that felt impossible until you made it through them. 🎓✨
To all of our UTA graduates, and especially our graduating student workers, congratulations from all of us at UTA Libraries.
Thank you for letting us be part of your journey during your time at UTA. Our student employees helped shape the Libraries into creative, welcoming, and supportive spaces for the entire campus community, and we are so proud of everything you have accomplished.
Whether you are stepping into a new career or heading back to the classroom for graduate school, we are cheering you on every step of the way. Your success is something we celebrate too.
Once a Maverick, always a Maverick. And no matter where your next chapter takes you, UTA Libraries will always be here for you.
#UTAGrad #UTALibraries #MavUp #ClassOf2026 #ForeverAMaverick
The Creative Spaces and Services 2026 Student Showcase was a night to remember.
On May 1, we celebrated our graduating student employees and the creativity, talent, and energy they have brought to UTA Libraries. From the incredible “Creative Black-Tie” looks to the fashion show featuring our student staff, the evening was filled with style, community, and celebration.
Our students do so much to help make the Libraries welcoming, creative, and inspiring spaces for the UTA community, and this event was all about honoring them and their accomplishments.
Congratulations to our graduating student employees and the Class of 2026. We are so proud of you and excited for what comes next!
#UTALibraries #MavUp #ClassOf2026 #StudentShowcase #CreativeSpaces #AcademicLibraries
A big thank you to Juliana Espinosa for the impact she has made at UTA Libraries and across the UTA community. 💙🧡
As Experiential Learning Librarian and liaison to the Department of History and Geography, Juliana helped students and researchers succeed through innovative learning opportunities, strong faculty partnerships, and thoughtful mentorship. Her work touched many across campus and helped strengthen the student experience in meaningful ways.
On May 12, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate Juliana and wish her well as she prepares to begin an exciting new role at the University of Colorado Boulder as Head of Acquisitions and Accounting / Associate Teaching Professor.
Juliana, thank you for your leadership, collaboration, and dedication to our community. You will be greatly missed, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in this next chapter. 🎉
#UTALibraries #MavUp #AcademicLibraries #ExperientialLearning #UniversityOfTexasArlington
Career Day at Erma Nash Elementary School, Mansfield, Texas, on May 13, came with plenty of smiles, great questions, and a special visit from Dean John Wang.
Students had the chance to learn what it’s like to lead UTA Libraries, hear about Dean John’s journey through five universities in three countries, and ask some very important questions, like:
“Do you have to be quiet in the library?”
“How many books does UTA Libraries have?”
“Do you really drive a golf cart around campus?”
The answer to that last one? Yes.
From the library tour video to stickers, candy, and lots of laughter, it was a fun afternoon spent talking about learning, curiosity, and the many paths education can take.
A big thank you to counselor and Career Day organizer Kymberly Ferrell, Principal Kia Johnson McAdams, and school mascot Tiny for welcoming us to campus. We loved spending the day with these future Mavericks.
#UTALibraries #CareerDay #FutureMavericks #UTA #LibrariesChangeLives
Behind every research breakthrough, successful project and late-night study session are library staff members working to support our students and researchers every step of the way.
John Connolly is one of the many dedicated professionals at UTA Libraries helping connect the Maverick community with the information, tools, and guidance they need to succeed. His work helps create opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation across campus.
We’re proud to spotlight John and the important role library staff play in supporting student success at UTA.
Read more at the link in bio or here:
https://libraries.uta.edu/news/staff-spotlight-john-connolly
#UTALibraries #UTA #MavUp #ResearchSupport #StudentSuccess #LibraryLife #AcademicLibraries
More than 540 years after it was created, a 1482 map of North Africa has found a new home at UTA Libraries.
The map was generously donated by Dr. Jack Franke, whose support has helped transform our Special Collections map holdings since 2017.
Thanks to Dr. Franke’s donations of more than 800 rare maps, UTA Libraries now holds one of the largest Africa-focused map collections in the United States.
Our latest video shares the story behind this incredible addition and the impact these historic materials have on research, teaching, and student learning.
Thank you, Dr. Franke, for your continued generosity and support of Special Collections.
#UTALibraries #SpecialCollections #RareMaps #History #Archives #UTA
Tiny Tiger’s Library tour was one for the books.
Dean John Wang and Blaze gave Tiny from Erma Nash Elementary School a behind-the-scenes look at the Central Library, including:
The FabLab
The Studios
The Basement
At UTA Libraries, students can create, collaborate, and build skills for success in spaces designed just for them.
Dean Wang will also be visiting Tiny's school, Erma Nash Elementary, for Career Day on May 13 to talk about UTA Libraries.
#UTALibraries #UTA #MavUp #LibraryLife #StudentSuccess
Spring semester, you kept us busy.
This is your UTA Libraries team, and we just want to say thank you for being here with us.
For the studying, the questions, the deadlines, and the “I just need a place to think” moments, we are glad we could help.
We are here all summer too, and we will see you in the fall
Teamwork in action.
At our April 30 Spring Reception, we celebrated our Team of the Year, the Organization Operations and Systems and Technology Cross Functional Team.
Daryn Trube, John Hillas, Dwayne Warren, Howard Schaffer, Bonnie Dreitner, Nessabell Hill, Allen Davis, Nolan Mendoza, Daniela Rodriguez, Ralph Castro, and Larry Lassiter came together across departments to complete a major and complex project.
This is what collaboration looks like, people coming together, sharing ideas, and making something meaningful happen.
We are so thankful for the impact this team has made on UTA Libraries.
Service that makes a difference.
At our April 30 Spring Reception, we celebrated Bonnie Dreitner as the recipient of the Extraordinary Customer Service Award.
This recognition honors someone who goes above and beyond to support students, faculty, colleagues, and library guests with care and dedication.
We are so thankful for the impact Bonnie makes every day. She helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for our entire community.
Shining bright at UTA Libraries.
At our April 30 Spring Reception, we celebrated Sara Pezzoni from Special Collections and Archives as the recipient of the Star Award.
This award honors outstanding leadership, initiative, and a commitment to excellence in support of our mission.
We are so thankful for the care and dedication Sara brings to her work every day. She helps make UTA Libraries a better place for everyone.
35 years of impact.
At our April 30 Spring Reception, we celebrated Dwayne Warren for an incredible milestone, 35 years with UTA Libraries.
That is 35 years of showing up for students, supporting our community, and helping shape the Libraries into what they are today.
We are so grateful for the dedication and heart he brings to his work. UTA Libraries is stronger because of him.