Meet Your Colleagues

This section introduces featured staff and faculty members in their own words.

What one sentence of advice would you give to college students?

  • Teznie Pugh

    Teznie Pugh

    5 years at UT

    Superintendent, McDonald Observatory

    Take every opportunity offered to you, within reason. While we may make plans, the doors opened by opportunities are what really determine our pathways through life. You may find the career you never even thought about.

  • Andrew Bowans

    Andrew Bowans

    6 years at UT

    Athletic Field and Turf Specialist

    Working hard and being dependable can make up for not having the knowledge of something when you start somewhere.

  • Heidi Toprac

    Heidi Toprac

    23 years at UT

    Professor of Instruction in Finance, Director of the BBA Internship Program

    Your first job after college is not the be all and end all — it is just the starting point of a long and varied career.

  • Sara Lundqvist

    Sara Lundqvist

    5 years at UT

    Assistant Professor of Instruction in Finance

    If you have the opportunity, study abroad.

  • Susanna Sharpe

    Susanna Sharpe

    11 years at UT

    Communications Coordinator, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections

    Try to find a community of people where you feel seen and appreciated, and where you can be authentic.

  • Kayla Abuda Galang

    Kayla Abuda Galang

    4 years at UT

    Head Producer at Liberal Arts Instructional Technology Services

    Build and truly be in community with others, no matter how small that community might be.

  • Junfeng Jiao

    Junfeng Jiao

    12 years at UT

    Associate Professor, Community and Regional Planning Program

    Do your best and leave no regret.

  • Will Kurzner

    Will Kurzner

    11 years at UT

    Audio Post-Production Specialist

    Finish the thing!

  • What have you learned so far during the University’s Year of AI?

  • What wellness resources do you utilize on campus? What wellness resources do you utilize on campus? How do you stay cool and active in the summer?

  • Library or coffee shop? Where do you like to read, work and research?

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