When it comes to today’s workforce challenges, employers do not have years to wait for the next generation of workers and workers want to advance their careers now. That is why UT institutions are committed to working with employers on tailored microcredential solutions for workforce supply, development, and diversity issues. In support of this effort, UT System hosted the first-ever employer engagement forum in April 2022. The event included a roundtable discussion with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan; Texas Instruments Chairman, President and CEO Rich Templeton; and AT&T President Southeast States Sonia Pérez, moderated by Chancellor Milliken.

Today we celebrate the legacy of one of our nation’s most influential leaders. In doing so, we should consider the ways, large and small, we can build upon the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As a pastor and a civil rights advocate, Dr. King’s life continues to inspire people across the United States and around the world. He led by example, standing alongside the oppressed, and personally championing the policies and practices that provide opportunities to all. Through his faithful commitment to social improvement, human dignity, and nonviolence, he has secured a historic place in the hearts of Americans for the more than 50 years since his assassination. But his memory is not relegated to history --- it is a living gift to all of us.

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us for this celebration.  Today is a very special day, as we dedicate the UT Education and Research Center at Laredo and expand UT’s mission to support this community and its students.  Today, three UT institutions are joining forces to create a center for training and education in some of the most vital health care fields we need to support all Texans.

We are pleased to have many guests with us today, and I especially want to acknowledge the high school students gathered with us as we embark on a revitalized mission to serve you, as you consider your future career opportunities.  Thank you all for being with us.

There are many ways to measure the impact of a life, and they are often insufficient.   This is especially true of someone who lived a life with the impact that Diana Natalicio had.   There are, of course, many of the usual ways to quantify the Diana’s impact --- growth in access and enrollment, UTEP’s impressive research growth, the economic impact of this vital campus—but I am convinced her most enduring legacy will be in the hearts and minds of not only the students, faculty, staff, and community members who she impacted, and there are many thousands of them, and which of course it will—but it will live on and impact the success of generations of students still to come, the ramifications of discovery yet to be made, and continued vitality of this community—El Paso and the Paso Del Norte region. 

(as prepared)

Welcome

Thank you, General Murray. It is a pleasure to be here with you today to kick off a summit that brings together academic, clinical and military experts focused on research that will continue to save lives and improve the care of those who serve our country.

As you move through today’s sessions, I have no doubt that the great minds who are sharing ideas and research with one another here today will propose meaningful next steps and new ideas for us to explore together.

This forum is another example of the important partnership between the UT System and the Army Futures Command. When the Army selected Austin—and specifically, the UT System Building—for its AFC headquarters, it cited the desire for proximity to innovative academic and research partners.