FAS Communications

The month of October offers FAS staff and the UT community an opportunity to learn about and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history.

According to Binta Brown, director of Diversity and Talent Management for FAS, the first celebration of LGBT history took place in Oct. 1994 in the form of a film series organized by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson.

“In the 26 years since, LGBT History Month has grown, now being celebrated annually and internationally,” Brown said.

Although October is National Fire Prevention Month, UT’s Fire Prevention Services (FPS) works year-round to ensure fire safety is always a priority. During the pandemic, FPS continues to offer trainings and conduct inspections and fire drills, and respond to inquiries to minimize the risk of fire that could result in loss of lives and property at the university. 

For Blanca Gamez, an associate director in Parking and Transportation Services (PTS), her UT roots run deep. She came to the university as a student in 2000, started working for PTS in 2001 as a student employee, and became a full-time PTS employee in 2007. After hearing from UT employees who were experiencing food-related concern or hardship as a result of the pandemic, Gamez decided to take action.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. In this interview with Veronica Trevino, media manager for Financial and Administrative Services (FAS), Binta Brown, FAS director of Diversity and Talent Management, talks about the importance of celebrating this month and embracing the diversity of the FAS portfolio.