Meet Valerie Brunell, a 15-year veteran of UTD who works in the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College as assistant dean and director of the National Merit Scholars Program. Brunell has worked in a variety of roles at UT Dallas including part-time administrative assistant in EPPS, full-time academic advisor III in NSM, and program coordinator of Collegium V. She now leads the charge in recruiting National Merit Scholars to UT Dallas, where she has steadily increased the number of incoming scholars each year.
Name: Valerie Brunell
Title: Assistant Dean, HWHC and Director, NMSP
Department: Hobson Wildenthal Honors College
Length of Service at UTD: 15 years
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place is the McDermott Suite. It is the first place I visited on campus over 16 years ago. I love the plants, the tapestries, and all the furnishings, especially the cantilever table. It is a beautiful space.
What is the best part of your job?
All the wonderful people, including students, staff, and faculty, that I get to work with across campus and in my office.
Which holiday is your favorite?
Thanksgiving! Family, food and football. What is not to love about all of that?
What is your favorite season and why?
Summer because I hate being cold. I grew up in Southern California, which spoiled me for life with respect to weather. The only good things about summer ending are the start of football and students back on campus.
Tell us something people don’t know that would surprise them.
I love tent camping, hiking and national parks. I went to Zion and Arches this past summer, Haleakalā over winter break, and I just got back from Big Bend.
Valerie Brunell at the top of Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park.
Where is your go-to place for food or drinks on campus?
Starbucks!
What is your favorite memory or experience on campus?
Weeks of Welcome – it is always lovely to see happy students and lots of people out and about.
How long is your commute?
One mile.
What advice would you give to someone who is new on campus?
Get to know a wide range of people at UT Dallas – faculty, staff and students.