Rachel Hedstrom 2023-09-15 08:08:20
University of North Texas leader seeks to ‘future-proof’ students.
Connecting the dots and helping others to do the same is a specialty for Dr. Hope Garcia, assistant vice president of student services for regional campuses at University of North Texas. With a doctorate in higher education, Garcia prides herself on using her skills to create and foster learning and research for students and the companies and communities that need them.
“I chose higher education because as an undergrad, I liked developmental psychology, the stages of a college student into becoming an adult, and then all of the different transitions of life. What does it mean to be a mom in school, for example?” she asked. “College life can be any age, any decade.”
In one of her first classes at UNT, Garcia met a variety of specialists in higher education administration, from admissions to advising, student affairs and more. When she learned that some use their talents across many specialties to help students, she knew she had found the right track.
“I was struck by the idea that you don’t do the same thing every day,” she said. “I just want to fill a need; that’s probably the best way to describe my own goal.”
When UNT answered a call from the City of Frisco to bring top-tier university education to the city, Garcia was immediately drawn to the opportunity. She launched and now administers an ecosystem of learning involving students, faculty and employers in a unique cycle of projectbased learning. This approach to higher education empowers students and faculty to put their best thinking to solve real-world problems of today’s companies. Organizations as diverse as the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, Sam’s Club, Serve Denton, the Dallas Cowboys and NT Logistics have engaged UNT Frisco students and professors in addressing issues and harnessing real-life business opportunities.
Industry collaboration and engagement helps UNT students make career connections that count, Garcia said. It allows them hands-on experience in problem-solving and teamwork that can’t always be realized through one textbook or one teacher. “Sometimes, it’s helping students connect the dots and empowering them to contribute to their future.”
UNT at Frisco was created from the excellent work done in Denton at UNT, and also serves Denton County residents as an extension of the Denton campus. At each campus, students find a formula for success in a world that is constantly evolving.
“It’s exciting when you are part of the change and horrifying when you get a notice that you’re being reduced on Friday,” she said. “We want to ‘futureproof ’ our students. Be flexible and learn new skills. What you learn helps you understand that this is not the last test you’ll ever have to take in your whole life.”
Hometown
Corpus Christi
Where she lives now
Denton
Education
Bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, master’s in higher education and student affairs from UNT, and doctorate in higher education administration from UNT
Family
A Doberman named Judson, named for a school with a cheer team that Padilla competed against in high school. “He’s very athletic and precise -- and good at everything!”
Interesting fact
“I love the outdoors. I’m into the ecosystem and if a mole wants to live in my front yard, so be it!”
©Denton County Magazine. View All Articles.
Dr. Hope Garcia
https://dentoncounty.mydigitalpublication.com/articles/dr-hope-garcia