UTA’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) efforts have been recognized at the national level
This year for the very first time UTA had the opportunity to highlight the work of one of its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) Network. NASNTI was selected as one of the Top 25 Employee Resource Groups in the nation by the Global ERG Network.
The Global ERG Network has a long history of working and recognizing employee resource groups across the nation. This organization connects ERG leaders from around the world to share expertise and insights across organizations.
“At UTA we are honored that our employee resource group’s work is being measured at such a high level with other organizations across the nation and around the world. This national recognition reassures us that what we have identified in our strategic plan as one of our People and Culture’s strategies is also considered a priority for other organizations across the globe. Knowing that the Global ERG Network selected UTA’s Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) as one of the Top 25 Employee Resource Groups in the nation is a testament to the amazing work our employees are doing to promote employee engagement at UTA,” said Imelda Wicks, Assistant Vice President of Talent, Culture, and Engagement.
The Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) Network is one of the 10 employee resource groups available to all UTA employees. “This recognition is a wonderful and well-deserved honor for the NASNTI Employee Network at UT Arlington. NASNTI was born in 2023, and our members have worked tirelessly to promote campus-wide efforts on our campus, such as Indigenous Peoples Day. These efforts are critical to meet the Federal requirements for UTA to become the first Texas R1 institution to receive the NASNTI designation. While there are many folks to thank, I want to recognize the DFW indigenous and Native American community that have always been there to support our Native students,” said Les D. Ridingin, assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and chair of the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) Network.
“Our Native American / Indigenous staff and allies are excited to have official support through the formation of this ERG, and this recognition will encourage other institutions to organize in support of all NA/I communities. Maintaining and improving UTA’s Land Acknowledgement Courtyard, which is central to our campus, is an example of an ERG activity that is meaningful and impacts faculty, staff, students, and community members. We are inspired to continue growing our network to include anyone interested in our mission. Developing a sense of belonging for our NA/I students starts with belonging and engagement among faculty and staff,” said Kendra Wallis, associate professor of instruction in the College of Engineering & chair of the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) Network.
UTA’s NASNTI employee resource group was recognized at a special ceremony that took place as part of the 2024 Global ERG Network Conference on October 23-25, 2024.
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