About Engineering Student Life

Our Staff

Engineering Student Life consists of two full-time staff and two part-time student staff.

Glynda Groth-Putnam
Director

Glynda Groth-Putnam is the Director of Engineering Student Life (ESL) in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. In this role Glynda serves as the Dean’s liaison to the more than 60 engineering student organizations. In addition, through the programs of ESL, Glynda coordinates a number of activities for students that seek to provide engineering students with opportunities outside the classroom to develop skills in leadership, teamwork and communications; involve engineering undergraduates in the life of the Cockrell School; and create a sense of community within the Cockrell School.

Glynda joined the School of Engineering staff as the Head Academic Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs in May, 1989. In August, 1999 Glynda became the Director of the newly created Engineering Student Life office. She has created many of the programs and publications of ESL. Glynda also coordinates LeaderShape-Texas, a week-long camp on leading with integrity and ethical behavior for UT undergraduates. Prior to joining the School of Engineering, Glynda worked for two years in student development in the UT Austin Department of Housing and Residence Life where she was the director of Jester Center, the largest coed residence hall in the country.

Glynda is an honorary member of Theta Tau, the oldest national engineering professional fraternity in the United States. She was the first female and first non-engineer honorary member of the fraternity in the United States since its founding in 1904. Glynda is a recipient of the UT “James W. Vick Award for Excellence in Academic Advising," the UT Mortar Board “Students’ Choice Award for Academic Advising," the Student Engineering Council "Outstanding Service Award" and the Eyes of Texas "Excellence Award." Glynda is a past officer of the UT Academic Counselor Association and in May 2008 received a University 20-year service award.

A native Texan, Glynda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communications and Sociology from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Masters degree in religious education from Southern Methodist University. Before joining the UT staff in 1987, Glynda was a Diaconal Minister and certified Director of Christian Education of the United Methodist Church. She has more than 30 years experience in student development.

Susan Higginbotham
Senior Administrative Associate

Susan began her career at The University in 1996 working in the Central Development Office. In 1997 she joined the Cockrell School of Engineering Staff, serving as degree auditor in the Office of Student Affairs where she annually certified more than 600 engineering students for graduation. In 2000, she joined the staff of the Engineering Career Assistance Center as the assistant Recruiting Coordinator. A year later she became the Recruiting Coordinator, where she annually coordinated more than 700 recruiting visits.

Susan joined the ESL staff in July, 2004, and her duties as the Assistant Director include problem solving and resource referrals for engineering student organizations, maintaining the engineering student organizations’ Presidents List and Student Organizations Directory, coordinating and scheduling Dean Keeton banner space, and table and tent check-out. She coordinates the LeaderShape-Texas database and serves as the official photographer for its  sessions. She also coordinates and maintains the ESL Web pages. In addition, Susan is responsible for all engineering student organizations’ accounting, travel, budgets and treasurers’ training, serving as the organizations’ liaison to Cockrell School of Engineering and University accounting offices. Susan also supervises the two ESL student assistants.

Susan is a native Texan, but grew up in Mobile, Alabama. Through her husband’s service in the Air Force, she has lived in Mississippi, Germany, and Arizona before coming back to Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in Occupational Education and certification as a public manager from Texas State University. Susan was also a 2013 recipient of the UT President's Outstanding Staff Award.

Kate Rogers
Junior, Mechanical Engineering
Student Assistant - LeaderShape-Texas Student Coordinator

Kate grew up in Magnolia, Texas and graduated from Magnolia High School.  She is in her third year at UT Austin and plans to graduate in 2014.  In addition to working in ESL, Kate has been an officer in Freshman Leadership Organization (FLO), a FIG mentor, an undergraduate research assistant in nuclear engineering and is a MAL for Student Engineering Council.  She is a graduate of LeaderShape-Texas, loves living in Austin and experiencing the city along with the hill country.  Off campus, Kate is a petty officer in the Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment and after graduation she hopes to attend United States Coast Guard Officer Candidacy School (OCS). 

Clarke Rahrig
Junior, Electrical Engineering
Student Assistant – Webmaster

Clarke grew up in Arlington, Texas, graduating from Mansfield Legacy High School.  He is in his third year at UT Austin and plans to graduate in May 2014.  Outside of classes and working in ESL, Clarke is heavily involved with the Student Engineering Council (SEC), currently serving as the Vice President of Internal Affairs.  He is a graduate and former staff member of LeaderShape-Texas, loves all things technological and never misses an opportunity for a laugh!  After graduation, Clarke hopes to work for a startup before founding his own company.