BEST AND BRIGHTEST. Some of the area's smartest high school graduates are enrolled at UTA this fall. According to a survey by The Dallas Morning News, 13 area valedictorians and salutatorians made UTA their top pick. Overall, the University attracted the eighth most valedictorians and salutatorians and was the seventh most popular choice among those from public high schools.

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN. The League of United Latin American Citizens has named Vice President for Outreach Services Michele Bobadilla its National Woman of the Year for 2004. She was selected from among winners from all states and Puerto Rico. The honor recognizes a sustained record of achievement and contributions to the community.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS. UTA is partnering with the Dallas County Community College District to fill a critical shortage in bilingual teachers. Under an agreement announced in March, students enrolled in six DCCCD campuses can earn up to 81 credit hours that will transfer directly to the College of Education's early childhood-grade 4 and bilingual program. "This collaboration has the potential to put several hundred new bilingual teachers into those schools," said Carol Sue Marshall, associate dean for teacher education at UTA.

BODY BUILDING. The School of Nursing has received a $50,000 donation from the Hillcrest Foundation in Dallas to purchase a pediatric patient simulator. The computerized device replicates physiological functions of the human body, enabling students to gain proficiency in patient care procedures. The gift is one step toward the school's creation of a smart hospital.

THE FUTURE IS NOW. A record number of students graduated from UTA during commencement ceremonies in May. The University conferred bachelor's degrees on 1,658 candidates, a 5 percent increase from last spring, and graduate degrees on 873 candidates, a 25 percent increase. Total graduates increased 15 percent from a year ago.

SCHOOL SPIRIT. The UTA cheerleaders, mascot and dance team won top awards at a recent competition in San Marcos. Samantha Maverick (senior Delila Pleasant) received the Most Collegiate award, the highest prize for mascots. The cheer program received the Program Improvement and Game Planning Traditions awards. The small coed squad won first place in the cheer competition, and the all-girls squad won second place in the fight song and cheer competitions.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS. Lockheed Martin and the College of Education are joining forces to create more and better math and science teachers. Established in May, the Lockheed Martin Scholarship Endowment Fund recognizes outstanding students majoring in science or mathematics education at UTA. The first scholarship was awarded for the fall 2004 semester.

MENTAL GIANT. The International Society of Psychiatric Nurses has awarded its Child and Adolescent Division Award to School of Nursing Dean Elizabeth Poster. The award recognizes achievements in psychiatric nursing practice, education, research and overall leadership. Dr. Poster has been editor of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing for the past 13 years and was honored by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association in 2002 with its Excellence in Education award.

TRAINING TOMORROW'S LEADERS. The College of Business Administration has selected 20 students as the first Goolsby Leadership Academy class based on their academic record and demonstrated leadership potential. The students will complete the last two years of their degree plan in the leadership academy, which is funded by an anonymous $2 million gift in honor of alumnus John Goolsby and his wife, Judy. The class is composed of 15 fellows who receive a $4,000 scholarship renewable for a second year and five associates who receive a $1,000 scholarship renewable for a second year.