Category: Member Spotlight

Department: African and African Diaspora Studies Department (Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis)
Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow
Interests: Equity and access in higher education/ Black women in higher education (research); reading, trying new foods or recipes, music (personal)
Why BFSA: Being a member of the BFSA provides a much-needed opportunity to connect with colleagues across campus who offer a supportive environment for my personal and professional growth.
Fun Fact: Once upon a time I could do a backbend as a drum-major! (Not any more so please do not request one.)

Name: Deseré Cross
Department: University Communications
Job Title: Social Media Coordinator
BFSA Title: Media Relations Coordinator
Interests: I’m passionate about building community among UT’s Black faculty, staff and students.
Favorite thing about BFSA: The food at our meetings and connecting with the UT Black community.

Name: Gerard Smithwrick
Department: University Housing and Dining
Job Title: Complex Coordinator
BFSA Title: Treasurer
Interests: Latin Dance (Salsa, Mambo, Bachata, & Cha Cha), playing with my dog, going out to eat, and of course building community with the incredible staff of color here at UT Austin.
Favorite thing about BFSA: Every time we meet up as an organization (both e-board and general body). You all give me life and that more abundantly.

Name: Del Watson
Department: Provost’s Office
Title: Director of Faculty Affairs
Interest: As a doctoral student, right now my interests lie in my research on advancing the careers of women in higher education. When I have time for pleasure, I like to read and take cruises.
Favorite thing about BFSA: That it brings together a community of folks who care about keeping UT a diverse and inclusive place to learn and work.

Nombre: Amber Hackett Crosby
Departamento: School of Law
Título: Deputy Director, Center for Women in Law
Intereses: Longhorn athletics, volunteering, brunch, cruise vacations, watching my five-year-old grow up
Por qué BFSA: I joined BFSA to meet other professionals from around campus, and to do my part to make all black faculty and staff feel welcome.
Fun Fact: I take Spanish classes and try to practice every chance I get!

Name: Dr. Aileen Bumphus
Title: Associate Vice President-Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence
Department: Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement
Interests: Educational-Leadership/Emotional Intelligence/Resiliency; Leisure-Traveling,
reading, golf
Why BFSA:  It provides a meaningful space on UT’s campus where we, as UT professionals,  can feel supported while being supportive of each other in a  culturally relevant way.

Name: Karl Spencer                                                      Department: McCombs School of Business 
Job Title:Events Program Coordinator 
Interests: Mentoring young men. I’m currently the president of the 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc. andour motto is “What They See is What They’ll Be”. Giving back to the Austin community has been a true blessing. From sharing stories to being a resource for the youth has been a joy. 
Why BFSA: UT BFSA has been a resource for upward movement in my life and career. I was an Executive Board Member in 2007. I was this timid guy, who was comfortable being the person in the background. Audra Sneed brought the best out of me that year and forced me to be a voice. Fast forward to 2017, Brandelyn Franks and I worked hard as BFSA Co-Presidents to advocate for UT issues and to plan events that required us to be in the forefront. Because of BFSA, I’ve been able to improve my leadership and speaking skills, be a voice for the UT community, and become the President of the 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc. and a committee member of McCombs Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for BFSA.