Change at the Top

In addition to the new(ish) conference change coming up, UT Arlington will experience some new leadership in two key areas. While I can't specifically say what the moves mean individually, I see any change given the current situation is a positive. 

Jennifer Evans-Cowley was named the sole finalist for the UTA presidency on January 7th. Due to state rules, the UT system Board of Regents completed the formality on February 1st, where she officially became the 10th president. Her official start date is April 28th, though I've heard some rumors she may unofficially begin before that.

She replaces Dr. Teik Lim, who was the interim president for the last two years. He took a position as president of New Jersey Institute of Technology. 

Evans-Cowley comes to UTA from the University of North Texas. She was the Vice President of Academic Affairs and was a Provost. She had applied for many positions across the country and her resume has been circulated.

Return of the WAC

Like Mark Morrison sang (using a small play on words), the Sun Belt is breaking up with the UT Arlington Athletic Department, prompting UTA to rejoin a familiar conference, which contains some familiar faces. 

How'd we get here? Plain and simple. UTA lacks a football program. This move was not initiated by UTA, but rather by discontent within the Sun Belt Conference. As the Sun Belt changed leadership and direction, they elected to focus their strategy on growing revenue through football. 

Of course, that's the one thing, the one, that UTA in its current form could not help with in accomplishing.

He Deserved Better

My plan is to go over this painful topic and be done with it. It's certainly old news by now. However, for most Mav faithful, it still burns. A lot of the historical what-ifs surround the football program, with a smattering for other programs (such as a new basketball venue in the 1970's). Yet there is a big one for recent memory.

The firing of Scott Cross.

The Return of the Rambler

 After a few years hiatus, I'm getting the itch again. In addition to a natural burnout of expectations I placed on myself to churn out reading material as page views soared, I battled my frustrations with the way the UT Arlington Athletic Department handled the departure of Scott Cross, a less than stellar hire to replace him, lost time due to pandemic issues, along with the way the Department responded to the political turmoil of the summer of 2020. There's also the traditional battles UTA faces, both institutionally and as a mid-major that contributed to the burnout. 

Yet, I'm always a Maverick. And nothing will change that.

I've been pondering resuming my commentary as there have been a plethora of news coming out of UTA Athletics, conference affiliation, statements surrounding the move to a new conference and new leadership, in addition to the normal seasoning news makers.

I've gotten many ideas over the last month. Some of those will certainly be timely, others....not so much. I'll also say that my weekly post goal prior to my break won't be honored. I'll post when I feel like I have something of value to say. Until then.