June's announcement that James D. Spaniolo planned to retire as president of the University of Texas at Arlington may have been good news for him, but it wasn't such hot news for everyone else.
Spaniolo has been UTA president for more than eight years and will remain in place until a successor is named. He led UTA in expanding on-campus housing and joined with the City of Arlington in the College Park District, a 20-acre, mixed-use development with an athletics and special events facility.
"I think it's important to blur the geographic boundaries and have the city blend into the campus - and vice versa. The College Park District is the best example of what can be achieved when a university works collaboratively with its city and neighbors. We're all stronger together," he said.
In his tenure, UTA grew from about 1,000 students living on campus to 5,300, or about 15 percent, of its students residential.
"Thousands more live nearby and are helping create a dynamic College Town community," Spaniolo said.
"I want students to remember UT Arlington as a valuable, rich experience. And I want them to know that their UT Arlington degrees will increase in value over time as the reputation of UT Arlington continues to grow," he said.
He says he's not seeking another university position but is looking to continue to be involved in ways that matter.
"My grown children live on opposite coasts, and I have twin granddaughters who are 10 months old," he said. "I am planning to be closely connected to them and their parents." - Paul K. Harral
