Episode 9
Driving UT Forward, Creating Student Connection, Care, and Community
In this episode of ET Talk, Cole Camplese sits down with John Dalton, Vice President for Student Affairs, to explore how student success is shaped far beyond academics. Recorded in the Hogg Auditorium, the conversation highlights how student affairs and technology intersect every day, often behind the scenes, to support more than 50,000+ students through leadership development, student employment, wellness services, and community connection.
Dalton shares insights from his first year in the role, emphasizing the importance of listening directly to students, involving them in decision-making, and recognizing how co‑curricular experiences, from student organizations to campus jobs, play a critical role in personal growth. The conversation also addresses the lasting effects of the pandemic on student confidence and mental health, and how the University is responding through expanded counseling resources, disability support services, and inclusive spaces that foster belonging.
The episode closes with a powerful message to students: "Use this rare moment in life to get uncomfortable, meet people different from yourself, and build meaningful connections." Together, Camplese and Dalton reflect on the shared mission across campus, to create an environment where students feel supported, heard, and empowered to leave a lasting impact on the Forty Acres.