Alumnus Jim Greer admits he was surprised to find himself delivering the commencement address for UT Arlington’s College of Engineering three years ago.
As a UTA student, his academic career didn’t fit neatly into a four-year plan. But he kept grinding, working hard for every grade point and the opportunities a college degree would bring.
That persistence eventually paid off when Greer earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1984. He is now executive vice president and chief operating officer for Oncor Electric Delivery, where he oversees all distribution and transmission planning, engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and operations, as well as performance management and continuous improvement activities.
“When I was a student, the last thing I thought I’d ever do was speak at a commencement ceremony,” says Greer, who was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2014. “My UTA experience prepared me very well for my career and shaped me into who I am today. I’m a proud Maverick in every sense of the word.”
He demonstrates that pride through his service to the University as chair of the President’s Advisory Board. In that capacity, he leads the board’s efforts to increase philanthropic support and enhance UTA’s profile and influence. He also chairs the College of Engineering Board of Advisors, and he and his wife, Stella, are supporters of that group’s endowed professorship.
To inspire others, Jim and Stella made challenge gifts for MavsDay 2021, UTA’s day of giving, supporting the College of Engineering Dean’s Excellence Fund and the UTA Scholarship Fund.
Greer also gives back to the community through his roles as a board member for Downtown Dallas Inc., the Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Dallas Metro YMCA. A registered professional engineer in Texas, he was appointed to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers by Gov. Rick Perry, is a member of the IEEE Power Engineering Society, and serves as an officer of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.
He urges UTA alumni to strengthen their relationship with their alma mater and be visible and active advocates.
“Stay connected to the mother ship as you move through the various phases of your life,” Greer says. “You know very well the advances UTA is making, the great progress happening here. Help tell that story.”
