FACULTY AND STAFF
Devotion key for longtime Miners
By Erica Martinez

   Their eyes have seen a great number of students dedicated to earning a college degree. Their hearts have devoted them to teach philosophy and literature, and protect and assist students in reaching that goal.

Haddox in 1966

Their hair color may be slightly different today, but professors John Haddox and Mimi Gladstein, University College director Diana Guerrero and senior guard Pedro Vargas are proud to be among 200 UTEP faculty and staff members who have worked at the university for many decades. Many of them began as students.

   "I have absolutely loved working at this institution," says Haddox, who has worked at UTEP for 45 years. "I am amazed that they pay me for doing something I enjoy so much. Teaching here has been a wonderful part of my life."

Haddox in 2004

   Throughout his career, the 74-year-old philosophy professor has traveled with hundreds of students to Latin America and Europe to teach them about ancient cultures. Closer to home, he also teaches them about Native American philosophy—professionally and through personal experience.

"Growing up as a Pawnee Indian, our celebrations included giving out written wishes. Over the years, I have given many of my students wishes," says Haddox, known as Kiwakootiwati, or Walking Fox, to the Pawnee Tribe.

   As his classes have grown from 20 up to 85 students per class, so has the number of days he spends handwriting individual wishes of peace and friendship.

"I love all my students," he says. " I try to teach them a philosophy of giving —of time, effort, caring, support, encouragement, knowledge and sharing —not just with your mind, but with your heart."

From student to mentor

   Guerrero learned that philosophy in the early 60s as a student of Haddox.

   A Texas Western College graduate and now director of enrollment, evaluation and technology for the University College, Guerrero has seen the college become a diverse university over the past 40 years.

Guerrero with student Nicole Gallegos

"At first, it was strange seeing more Hispanics on campus, as students and professors, as part of the student government and in leadership programs," she says.

"The strides the university has made makes me feel very proud of this institution, and the education I received here."

   While attending TWC, she worked as a student assistant in the Registrar's Office. After graduation and a brief departure from El Paso, she returned to her alma mater as assistant director of admissions and has been a counselor and mentor for various programs.
"It is very satisfying to see students succeed," Guerrero says.

"Education is a life-long learning process. People should take advantage of what they have here in their backyard: UTEP."

A treasure found

   Gladstein, chair of UTEP's Theatre Arts and Film Department, also recognized the treasure in her backyard and earned her bachelor's degree in drama and speech from TWC in 1959.

   In 1966, she returned to the rapidly growing college as a faculty member. That year, enrollment was about 8,100—more than double from her student days.

   Although enrollment had increased, funding for faculty salaries decreased. The El Paso community stepped up, contributing $60,000 to supplement salaries from 1959-61. Today, UTEP's payroll of nearly $98 million includes some 1,000 full- and part-time faculty and 3,000 staff members.

   Although salaries for some female faculty members were below average through the 60s, the 70s would be a time of optimism and hold some of her fondest UTEP memories, she says.

   A group of female faculty, including Gladstein, researched pay and promotions among female faculty at the university to bring about some much needed change.

"After three rounds of protests and lawsuits, salaries were more equitable," Gladstein says. "That was a very invigorating and stimulating time for the university."

Patrolling social change

   Senior Guard Pedro Vargas also remembers the 70s as the years of social change and free will — and, sometimes, no clothes.

Vargas

"You suddenly saw some males running by the Union. They were 'streaking' and there was a truck ready to pick them up and drive off," Vargas says, laughing about the fad that swept the nation, and UTEP, in the early 70s.

   In his 34 years at UTEP—31 with the university's police department and three with Mail Services—Vargas has seen campus protests, dormitory fights and thousands of parking tickets issued.

   His neatly pressed uniform shows the pride he has for the university—and the lessons learned in the Army. He salutes faculty, staff and visitors military style as they enter the campus, a campus that's changed dramatically since he came to work here in 1970.

"There were no English, Education, or Fox Fine Arts buildings," Vargas says. "The university has grown immensely."

"Go ahead,'" he says, responding to a voice on his portable radio.

"Go ahead — continue to grow," he says to the university.