Marijke Gray, affectionately known as Ms. Gray, is an incredible individual with a diverse background and a true passion for education. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Ms. Gray has had a fulfilling career path that has led her to where she is today. She proudly served as a Combat Medic in Desert Storm/Desert Shield, displaying her dedication and bravery.
After her military service, Ms. Gray earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and her Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Policy and Urban Planning. While in college Ms. Gray played golf on a scholarship and got a hole in one! Upon graduation, she worked in the federal government for over 15 years. However, her desire to make a difference in the field of education eventually led her to pursue her true passion.
Throughout her life, Ms. Gray has lived in several states, including Louisiana, California, Maryland, and Texas, gaining valuable experiences and perspectives along the way. She loves to eat, travel, and stay fit through regular workouts. Additionally, Ms Gray has two adult children, one that currently lives in Philadelphia and the other that lives in Texas. Additionally, she is a proud grandparent to Bentley, Dogman, and Catwoman, her adorable furbabies!
Chris Robinette
Served in the U.S. Army. Graduated from UTD in 2017 with an MS in Information Technology Management.
Tom Kim
Served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves. Started working at UTD in 2011 and is Assistant Dean in the School of Management. Member of the MVC’s Community Advisory Council and MVC Scholarship Selection Committee.
Jamar Blackmon
Served in the U.S. Navy. Started working at UTD in 2016. Serves as an Academic Advisor in the Office of Student Outreach and Academic Retention (SOAR) in the Department of Undergraduate Education.
Rosemary Walton
Served in the U.S. Navy as a Quartermaster 2nd class. Started working at UTD in March 2013 and serves as a Division Administrator for the Vice President and Chief of Staff. Member of the UTD Veteran Advisory Council and MVC Scholarship Selection Committee.
Renee’ (Rosalyn) Green
Served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Texas Army National Guard. Started at UTD in 2014. Works in the McDermott Scholars’ Office as an Administrative Services Officer.
Cheryl Friesenhahn
Served in the Texas Army National Guard. Started her career at UT Dallas in 1997 and serves as the Senior Director of Financial Services within the Bursar Office.
Tammy McFarlen
Served in the U.S. Navy as an Operations Specialist 2nd class. Started working at UTD in 2013 and her current role is Sr. Financial Analyst in the Office of Information Technology. Member of the MVC Scholarship Selection Committee.
Darren Crone, Ed.D.
Served in the U.S. Air Force as a Combat Cameraman. Joined UTD in 2003 and is Assistant Provost over Educational Technology Services. Member of the MVC Scholarship Selection Committee.
Andrew Anderson
Enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve for one year then served in the U.S. Army seven years. Joined UTD in August 2019 and works in the University Career Center as the Student Employment Coordinator. Member of the UTD Veteran Advisory Council and MVC Scholarship Selection Committee.
Faculty
Dr. Larry Chasteen
Served in the U.S. Air Force active duty as a B-52 pilot and Air Force reserves as a program manager at Wright-Patterson AFB. Retired as a Colonel. He worked at Texas Instruments and Raytheon as a System Engineer on radar and smart weapon programs. Joined UTD in 2011 and appointed as a Clinical Professor in JSOM.
Keith Dickinson
Served in the Michigan Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve in the infantry and the field artillery as a platoon leader, staff officer, and battery commander. He joined UTD in 2008 as an adjunct lecturer and is currently the manager of the Master of Science in Marketing program.
Dr. Bill Hefley
Served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves in information technology. Served in U.S. Army Reserves in military intelligence. Joined UTD in 2015 as a Clinical Professor in the School of Management.
Dr. John McCaskill
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps (10 yrs) and U.S. Marine Corps Reserves (12 yrs) as an F/A-18 pilot. Joined UTD in 2012, and appointed as a Clinical Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management program in the School of EPPS in 2015. Member of the UTD Veteran Advisory Council and MVC Scholarship Selection Committee.
Dr. Steve McWilliams
Served in the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Miramar, Naval Air Station Pt. Mugu, and aboard the U.S.S. Constellation. Worked several years in forensic sciences at the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office. Currently an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Neuroscience.
Dr. David Murchison
Served in the Air Force for over 30 years as a clinical dentist, educator, biomaterial researcher, and Dean of the Air Force Postgraduate Dental School. He presently holds academic appointments as a clinical professor at the UTD and Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and as an adjunct professor at the Uniform Services University of Health Sciences. At UTD he serves on the Health Professions Advisory Committee and the MVC’s Scholarship Selection Committee.
Dr. Robert L. Rennaker II
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps in aviation hydraulics and pneumatics. Currently a Professor in Neuroscience and Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering.
Dr. David Widdifield
Served in U.S. Army and Army Reserves in both Infantry and Quartermaster branches. Started working at UTD in 2018. Assistant Dean of Academic Operations & Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Management.
Sonia Leach
Served in the U.S. Air Force as a program manager, operations research analyst, inspector general and professor (Air Force Institute of Technology). Retired as a Major. Joined UTD in 2012 and appointed as a Clinical Professor in JSOM.
Alumni
Rena Piper
Served in the U.S. Army as Military Police. Graduated from UTD in 2016 with a BA. UTD Assistant Director of University Events from 2007-2022.
Chris Ranucci
Served in the U.S. Army. Graduated from UTD in 2017 with an MS in Information Technology Management. Currently serves on the MVC Community Advisory Council.
Michael Stout
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps as close air support liaison. Graduated from UTD in 2018 with BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Started working at UTD in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Currently enrolled in UTD’s Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program.
