UT Tyler Student Success
UT Tyler Student Success
Leadership Team
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Dr. Sam Ferguson
Assistant Vice President and Director, Student Engagement Since March 2021, Joshua has held the position of Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Director of Student Engagement. Prior to this role, he served as Director of Student Engagement and Assistant Director of Student Life & Leadership. In his current capacity, Joshua oversees various student-centered initiatives, including Campus Activities, Esports, Free Speech, Greek Affairs, Leadership & Service, Mentoring Programs, New Student Programs, Parent & Family Programs, Patriots Engage, Student Government Association, Student Organizations, Student Success at Health Science Center, and Transition Programs. Before joining UT Tyler, Joshua held the position of Assistant Director of Residence Life & Housing at William Peace University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a native of Stephenville, Texas, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (Social Studies 8-12) from McMurry University and a Master of Science in Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of North Texas. Throughout his career, Joshua has actively participated in professional organizations such as NASPA, NODA, TACUSPA, and AFA. He is a member of Leadership Tyler Class 33 and currently serves on the Leadership Tyler board. In his personal time, Joshua enjoys spending time with his family, particularly watching Marvel and Star Wars movies and playing video games.
Executive Director of Career Success Rosemary Cooper, PhD is the Executive Director of Career Success at The University of Texas at Tyler. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the department of Human Resource Development in the Soules College of Business and in the department of Public Administration in the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously served as the Director of Enrollment Services at UT Tyler. She is a three-time alum of UT Tyler and holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development with a specialization in organizational development and change and a Master’s of Public Administration. She has worked in higher education for over 25 years. Dr. Cooper has been recognized for her research in the areas of shared services, employee engagement and organizational change and has presented nationally on these topics. She is an alum of Leadership Tyler Class 28, Leadership Tyler’s Catalyst 100 Program and The University of Texas System Women’s Leadership Program. Dr. Cooper has also served on the City of Tyler Mayor’s Veterans and Community Roundtable and as a member of the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler. She is the 2018 recipient of the UT Tyler President’s Excellence Award and was recognized as the 2022 Teacher of the Year, by the Rotary Club of Tyler. She is a native of Nashville, Tennessee but now calls Tyler, Texas home.
Executive Director, Office of International Programs Cynthia Martinez is the Executive Director of the Office of International Programs at UT Tyler, where she oversees International Student and Scholar Services, Study Abroad programs, the Intensive English Language Institute, and Passport Services. Cynthia is passionate about higher education and the transformative impact it has on individuals and communities. She is committed to creating life-changing opportunities for students, from supporting international students as they navigate new environments to empowering study abroad participants to expand their perspectives and embrace global learning. With 13 years of experience in international education, Cynthia and her team bring vibrant energy to the UT Tyler community through dynamic programs such as Diwali, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, and Lunar New Year festivities. These events enrich campus life and provide meaningful opportunities for engagement across the university. Cynthia has supported the development of strategic international partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, which expands academic and exchange opportunities for students and faculty. She is the former Chair of Study Texas, an active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, serves on the Operating Council of the Texas International Education Consortium's (TIEC), and sits on the Board of Tyler Sister Cities. During her free time, Cynthia enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, their three children, and their beloved Pekingese, Sumi, who keeps the family entertained. A self-proclaimed foodie, she loves spicy food and sushi, often pairing her meals with a binge-watch session of The Office. She also enjoys word games and proudly counts the time she guessed the Wordle on her first try as one of her greatest victories. She holds a master’s degree in Sociology and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, both from Texas A&M International University. |
