The Maverick Factor

Welcome to the Maverick Factor podcast where you’ll hear stories about shared dreams and bright futures at UTA. Our students, faculty, and staff will discuss academics, tradition, culture, athletics, and their personal connection to the University spirit. You’ll feel the spark that makes UTA a great place to study, teach, work, and play. Come listen as we share the Maverick Factor.

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Latest Episode

The Evolving College Classroom

Learn more about our latest episode.

Host, Lora O'riordan facing Patrick Wilson

About The Episode

Patrick Wilson, vice provost for online learning and academic innovation, joins host Lora O’Riordan for a conversation about online learning. They look back on their time as students and discuss how the online classroom has improved since then, with new technologies making it easier than ever to connect with classmates and professors. Dr. Wilson also describes the role academic innovation plays in higher education, whether that’s creating degree plans to allow students to explore multiple disciplines or investigating the impacts of AI—both positive and negative—on students’ learning.

Patrick Wilson facing Host, Lora O'riordan

About the Guest

Patrick Wilson joined UTA as vice provost for online learning and academic innovation in August 2025. With experience as both an online student and faculty member, he has seen the benefits and challenges of online education firsthand. Those experiences, coupled with an increased demand for flexible learning, inspired him to pursue leadership roles centered on expanding online programs that make education more accessible. With a goal of positioning UTA as a national leader in online education, he strives to serve as a catalyst for change by translating ideas from faculty and students into tangible actions that drive enrollment and student success.

Podcast episode host Lora sitting on UTAs Big Chair

About the Host

Forever Maverick Lora O’Riordan returned to her alma mater in 2025 as director of internal communications and strategy. She oversees campuswide messaging and UTA’s internal newsletters, MavWire and Trailblazer. Lora earned degrees in journalism and political science from UTA and an MBA in aviation regulatory policy at Embry-Riddle University. After a 30-year airline career, she was thrilled to return to UTA to tell the stories of the University and its students, faculty, and staff. Hosting the Maverick Factor podcast is one of the many ways she spotlights the people who shape UTA.

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