Glynda Groth-Putnam is the Director of the Office of Student Life 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 almost 60 engineering student organizations. In addition, through the programs of the Office of Student Life Glynda coordinates a number of activities for students that seek to involve engineering undergraduates in the life of the School, create a sense of community in the School and provide engineering students with opportunities outside the classroom to develop skills in leadership, teamwork and communications.

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 Office of Student Life. She has created many of the programs and publications of the Office of Student Life, including an informal course which she teaches for engineering students in interpersonal communications. Glynda also coordinates LeaderShape-Texas, a week-long camp on leading with integrity and ethical behavior which is held twice yearly 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 2003 received a University 15-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 almost 30 years experience in student development.
 

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 over 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 over 700 recruiting visits.

Susan joined the OSL staff in July, 2004, and among her duties as the assistant to the Director of Student Life, Susan does problem solving & resource referrals for engineering student organizations, maintains the engineering student organizations’ Presidents List and Student Organizations Directory, coordinates and schedules Dean Keeton banner space, as well as table and tent check-out. She coordinates the LeaderShape-Texas database and serves as the official photographer for the sessions of LeaderShape-Texas. She also coordinates and maintains the OSL Web pages. In addition, Susan is responsible for all engineering student organizations’ accounting, travel, budgets and treasurers’ training, serving as the organizations’ liaison to College of Engineering and University accounting offices. Susan also supervises the OSL three 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 is currently working to complete her undergraduate degree.

LeaderShape-Texas Student Coordinator, Student Assistant, Engineering Student Ambassador

As LeaderShape-Texas Student Coordinator, my responsibilities include the development, execution and organization of LeaderShape-Texas twice every year.  I supervise the selection of the staff, participants and also the execution of the activities during the session.

My academic interests include engineering, entrepreneurship and business management.  Some of my other involvements at UT are the UT Leadership Board, Roden Leadership Program, Engineers for a Sustainable World, and UT Ballroom Dancing Performance Team.  My hobbies are reading, dancing, scuba-diving, sailing, canoeing and traveling.

Student Assistant

As a student assistant, my responsibilities include maintaining the LeaderShape-Texas and alumni databases, maintaining the Web site, and maintaining the bulletin board.  As the "resident artist", I also do most of the odd-jobs around the office that are more creative in nature.

I am a Studio Art major, within the College of Fine Arts. My areas of concentration are ceramics, sculpture, and metal; however, I have interests in all materials. Before my acceptance to Studio Art, I studied Chemical Engineering, Architectural Engineering and Human Biology.  My School of Engineering activities have included active participation in the Society of Women Engineers, Architectural Engineering Institute, American Society of Civil Engineers, Student Engineers Educating Kids, and, of course, LeaderShape-Texas.  I am also been involved in the College of Natural Science and Liberal Arts through the Texas Interdisciplinary Plan.

Student Assistant