Dr. Richard J. Reddick, Senior Vice Provost of Curriculum & Enrollment and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, had a busy first week of classes to kick off the fall semester. He was everywhere welcoming students back to campus, sharing insights with a local news crew, and joining staff as they geared up to help students begin the academic year. “The team does such a great job supporting our students here at The University of Texas at Austin, and this week is really evidence of those efforts.”

On Sunday, Aug. 21, Reddick met with a small group of incoming first-year students to discuss the book “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed during the annual Reading Round-Up. Some of the university’s top professors choose a book for students to read over the summer and then lead small group discussions on campus the day before fall classes start.

On Monday, Aug. 22, the first official day of classes, Reddick spoke with a news crew from Fox 7 about the start of a new semester at UT. On Wednesday, Aug. 24, he also hosted a game show with students during the evening Gone to Texas celebration, a fitting job for a former “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” champion. Reddick also attended a welcome event for first-generation students in Gregory Gym and spoke at an intercollegiate athletics mentoring event.

Reddick, who is new to the senior vice provost role but has been a faculty member for over 15 years, also outlined a few priorities for his first 100 days on the job for staff in the division:

• Connect with Curriculum, Enrollment and Undergraduate Studies staff members on a regular basis, offering drop-in meetings in the buildings where staff work

• Establish a consultative committee for the portfolio with three subcommittees: Portfolio Identity, Culture and Community Building, and Equity & Inclusion

• Announce a new Vice Provost of Academic, Curricular and Career Innovation

He discussed his vision for the portfolio as well: “I envision an inclusive organization that educates, enlightens, enhances academic experiences‚ creates high-quality opportunities and connections where students not only are transformed during their education, but ultimately, they transform society for the benefit of others,” Reddick said in his address to staff.

He continued: “I am convinced that we can be an organization that provides holistic and equitable student support leading to holistic and equitable student success. We will be working more interdependently and collaboratively than ever to provide enriching student experiences.”