It's only natural that Timeka Gordon would stay active at UT Arlington after she graduated.

Timeka Gordon joined the Alumni Association to give back to her alma mater. She says membership strengthens the association's existing programs and helps create new ones.

As a student she was involved in the NAACP, Voices of Christ Gospel Choir, National Association of Black Journalists, UTA-Hosts, the National Association of Colored Women's Club and the Public Relations Student Society of America. She also worked in the Office of Multicultural Services for three years, through which she volunteered in several community service projects.

After she earned a bachelor's degree in communication in 2001, Gordon wanted to return something to the institution that helped her grow both personally and professionally. So she joined the Alumni Association.

"When I was a student at UT Arlington, some of the opportunities afforded to me were possible only because other alumni before me gave back after they graduated," she said. "I want to be an example of an alumna who worked hard, received her degree and helped others to attain the same success."

Gordon joined the Alumni Association soon after graduation. She became reinvolved in 2006 when she helped organize the African-American Alumni Reception. At the event, she gave a speech titled “Leaving a Legacy” that paid homage to Black History Month.

Gordon considers alumni involvement critical to the continued success of UT Arlington. "Membership strengthens the association's ability to fulfill its mission and goals, sustain existing programs and implement new ones," she says.

She continued to work for the Office of Multicultural Services for six months after she graduated and served as an adviser for several student organizations. In 2002 she joined the University Advising Center and stayed 3½ years.

Last year she began working at the UT Arlington Fort Worth Center as assistant director for recruitment and professional programs. Her responsibilities include recruiting working professionals, as well as bringing exposure to the center and helping to expand its growth and impact in Fort Worth.

— Camille Rogers