Dear UT Community, I am writing to share with you that Soncia Reagins-Lilly, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, has made the decision to retire from the University. For many months, Soncia has worked to find balance between the demands of work and challenges at home as a dedicated caregiver for her mom. Recognizing that it was no longer possible to both care for her mom and serve the University in her leadership role, she decided now was the right time to take this next step. During her 17-year tenure at UT, she and her team have created and launched many Division of Student Affairs programs, spaces and resources, including the Alienware eSports Lounge and Arena, the Longhorn Leadership Lab, the UT Outpost food pantry and career closet, and the Hogg Memorial Auditorium renovation. She also played a key role in launching the first on-campus housing scholarship pilot program, established the Longhorn Hospitality portfolio, and created the Successful Student Organizations Pilot Program. We look forward to recognizing her accomplishments and contributions during the coming months with a special celebration. Soncia offered to continue to support the University as she begins working from home tomorrow to help transition the interim and permanent vice president of student affairs and the University’s strategic plan. I am grateful that she will stay connected and help ensure a smooth transition. While a national search for a full-time replacement gets underway, I have appointed Tom Dison as interim vice president for student affairs. Many of you know Tom from his previous role as an associate vice president in the Division of Student Affairs, interim dean of students and director of Recreational Sports. Tom has served the University for nearly 50 years and will begin serving in this new interim capacity beginning Jan. 24. Tom and I will work together to appoint an interim dean of students to lead that portion of the Division of Student Affairs portfolio. Please join me in thanking Soncia for her 17 years of dedicated service and for her genuine compassion and care for our students. Her enthusiasm and energy will be missed across our campus, and our Longhorn Nation is better because of her contributions.