Edward S. Guleke Student Excellence Award

Suseth Muñoz

College of Liberal Arts; College of Education

“As a New Orientation Advisor (NOA) for our office, Suseth hit the ground running. During her first summer with our New Student Orientation Program, she assisted with 8,000 new freshmen and transfers. As an NOA, she was responsible for peer academic advising, group management and facilitation, coordination of events, and leading large campus tours. With an orientation student staff close to 100, it can sometimes be easy to just do the bare minimum but Suseth chose to not only do what was expected of her as an NOA, but she took part in enriching the program by problem-solving and offering suggestions when needed. In addition to program support, Suseth was also instrumental with the student staff because she would often challenge the other NOAs by sharing her own thoughts and feelings, which can be the best way to educate others on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In order to become an OA, students must take an OA Leadership Class designed to teach them the skills needed to academically advise new students, facilitate meetings with new students in residence life halls, lead large groups through activities and work on certain aspects of the program such as live shows and event program planning. The class meets twice a week and students were expected to attend two-weekend retreats and additional meetings outside of class. Many students took this class in addition to their regular academic course load. The fact that Suseth was able to stay on track academically, while also training to be an OA, and be involved on campus, is a testament to her commitment and drive for personal success. It’s also important to note that the learning didn’t stop after class, the OAs would continue to have tough conversations all summer. Suseth was often the voice of reason and was able to provide insight for OAs when needed.

Suseth is committed to social justice and is a poised and articulate individual who likes to think outside the box and challenges others to do so as well. Among her Orientation Advisor (OA) peers, Suseth stood out because she was a well-spoken reflective individual with a desire to expand her own mind. Her uncompromising passion for inclusivity and diversity awareness is apparent which is why it is no surprise that she is involved with and serves in the following roles on campus: First-Gen Longhorns; Diversity Coordinator, Senate of College Councils; Equity and Inclusion Policy Director, Student Government; Community Advocate, Jolt Action Committee; and Resident Assistant, Jester West.

Suseth is someone who doesn’t have to say much for her peers to respect her. She is a hard worker and a natural-born leader because she leads when others do not, and she follows in order to let others lead. Just last semester, Suseth was one of the students leading the charge to write the “list of demands” to UT that called for diversity and inclusion of students of color – especially our Black and Indigenous students. She was featured in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement Access Magazine and website.”

—Dr. Desiree Alva, Director, Transition Initiatives, New Student Services of Student Affairs