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The Big Picture: The UTEP Edge Symposium celebrated faculty and staff who are advancing student success through UTEP Edge initiatives. 

The Woody L. Hunt College of Business played a key role, contributing presentations, receiving honors, and showcasing examples of innovative teaching and advising practices. 

What happened: 

• J. Rolando Nuñez, Ed.D., Assistant Dean; Mauricio Gomez, Director of UnderÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Programs; and David Sterling, Student Engagement Manager, presented on Virtual Advising Modules, an initiative designed to enhance student engagement and streamline academic advising. 

• J. Rolando Nuñez, Ed.D., received the 2024–2025 UTEP Edge Staff Champion Award for his outstanding commitment to student mentorship, professional development, and global learning. 

• Rhet Smith, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics, was celebrated as an Edge Champion for his UTEP Edge advocacy in his Introduction to Econometrics course. 

• Delfina Glenn, Associate Professor of Practice, showcased her Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project in her International Marketing course, partnering with the Autonomous University of Guerrero to give students hands-on experience working with international teams. 

• Jose Bucheli, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics, participated in a panel where students discussed how UTEP Edge experiences such as internships, leadership roles, and research have shaped their confidence and career readiness. 

Why it matters: The UTEP Edge Symposium creates a collaborative space for faculty and staff to share strategies that promote holistic student development. Hunt Business’ contributions to this year’s event reflect the college’s continued leadership in: 

• Embedding UTEP Edge practices in both academic advising and classroom instruction. 

• Promoting student engagement through professional development and global learning. 

• Strengthening partnerships across departments and with student services. 

Spotlight on Virtual Advising Modules: J. Rolando Nuñez, Ed.D., Mauricio Gomez, and David Sterling team presented their Virtual Advising Modules, created in partnership with the UTEP University Career Center.  

The modules leverage Microsoft Office Forms to support academic advising, resume reviews, career exploration, and engagement with student organizations.  

Since their launch, over 300+ resumes have been reviewed, underscoring the success of this innovative approach. 

Honoring Leadership: Rolando Nuñez, Ed.D was recognized for fostering collaboration, connecting students with professional pathways, and leading impactful study abroad programs. His efforts directly advance key UTEP Edge goals such as enhancing student confidence, critical thinking, and career readiness. 

Innovative Teaching in Action: 

• Rhet Smith, Ph.D., integrates UTEP Edge practices into his Introduction to Econometrics course by immersing students in research-based learning. Students work in teams to design original research projects, analyze real-world data, and present their findings to professional audiences.  

• Delfina Glenn’s COIL initiative prepares students for the global workforce by helping them navigate real-world challenges like time zones, cultural differences, and international teamwork. This effort aligns with the Global Awareness Edge advantage. 

• Jose Bucheli’s student panel highlighted the direct impact of Edge experiences on student success, providing insight for faculty and staff on how to further embed Edge practices into the student journey.