Deanna Dallal is the new coordinator of special programs for Staff Council. She will assist Staff Council with everyday administrative tasks. Dallal was born and raised in Dallas, and she graduated from Tarleton State University with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science. She later attended Texas State University, where she received her master’s degree in health education.
Dallal previously worked at the Academic Testing for Students with Disabilities office at Texas State University. The office provided testing accommodations for students with disabilities by providing a reduced distraction testing environment and accessible technology options.
Dallal returned to Dallas to help her family and find the next step in her career. While attending a job fair at the Crowne Plaza, she met faculty and staff from UTD. When she learned about UTD, she said she knew it would be a great place to work. The next day, she applied for the coordinator of special programs position because she felt she could help make a change for the staff of UTD.
Dallal’s goal in life and for this position is to help give everyone a voice because she believes everyone’s voice matters.
Favorite Animal:
Prairie dogs because they are cute and have unique facial expressions.
Favorite Food:
Peanut butter is my favorite food. I have tried over 20 flavors all around the world. My favorite is the chocolate banana flavor from a company called Legendary Foods.
Favorite Movie:
“Finding Dory” because I had a minor head injury in college which impacted my memory. Therefore, I use the mindset “just keep swimming” when I get flustered with my memory.
Favorite Season:
My favorite season is winter because it is the start of hockey season.
Last Great Read:
“Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell or “Fixing My Gaze” by Susan R. Barry.
Who Inspires you?
The person that inspires me is my mom. My mom lost her father and brother in six months. Since this season, she has been even more of a superwoman than before. My mom has become one of my best friends, and when life gets heavy, she is there to bring peace and hope to me and my brother.
Fun fact about my mom, she graduated from UTD in 1996 with a degree in sociology. According to my mom, her favorite professor was Dr. Richard Scotch, who is currently the head of the sociology and criminology departments.
Is there a quote or phrase that speaks to you or you live by?
My favorite quote to live by is, “Be strong and courageous in every action.”
What is something you don’t currently know but would like to learn for fun?
I would love to learn how to crochet. My dream would be to make blankets and/or jackets to donate during the wintertime.
Fun Fact:
“Deanna” comes from the Star Trek character, Deanna Troi. My family and I are sci-fi enthusiasts.
My cat’s name is Optimus Prime because he was highly moody as a kitten. He would be in his REM sleep cycle but suddenly attack the couch; I interpreted this as him transforming like the character Optimus Prime from the movie “Transformers.”