UT Shield

Division of Student Affairs Newsletter

The University of Texas at Austin

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Get to Know Dr. Paine

  1. Gage E. Paine, vice president for Student Affairs

    Name: Gage Paine

  2. Title/Department: Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA)
  3. How long have you worked at UT Austin? A day and a half (or just short of 11 years if you count both times – nearly 16 years in the UT System). What do you do? I define the job of VPSA as making UT Austin “work” for everyone – students, staff and faculty. ‘Work’ means trying to ensure that students have the best learning experience and staff and faculty have the best possible work (which includes learning) experience.
  4. Favorite restaurant in town? Hyde Park, Z-Tejas, Kerbey Lane
  5. Favorite sports team? Do I have to answer that? I root for UT Austin and UTSA.
  6. Favorite musical group? I can’t name a favorite — my musical tastes are a bit eclectic. Most recent iTunes purchases have been Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers (wonderful banjo), three great salsa songs by Sonora Carruseles, some Jimmy Buffett and, last but not least, The Cupid Shuffle, The Cotton-Eyed Joe and the Schottische (I needed the last three to teach the dances to a group of faculty and staff at UTSA).
  7. What book are you reading? Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think, by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler, and I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t) by Brené Brown. I tend to read multiple non-fiction books at the same time. My fiction reading tends toward mystery, science fiction/fantasy and whatever looks interesting as I roam the bookstore aisles.
  8. How do you relax? I like to read, knit (just square things like afghans, making something that has to fit someone isn’t relaxing), practice yoga, take walks with my husband and our four dogs, spend time with family.
  9. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be? It would be fun to travel more widely than I’m able to do these days.
  10. What advice would you give an incoming freshman? My orientation speeches are all variations on these three themes: 1. Show Up – go to class, join an organization, etc. 2. Go For It – answer a question in class, ask one, attend an event that is unusual for you, etc. 3. Make It Your Own – study what interests you, socialize in a way that’s comfortable for you, etc.
  11. What’s something about you that would surprise people? I have been a competitive ballroom dancer (amateur, of course).
  12. What do you like best about working for the Division of Student Affairs? I don’t know yet, but I’m looking forward to finding out!