Alumni in the News: Comets Making Headlines

From stellar breaking news reporting to climate change activism and an appointment to the board of directors for a national chain restaurant, these UT Dallas graduates are making the news for their well-deserved accomplishments.

In March, Jesus Jimenez BA’14 joined The New York Times Express Desk after three years as a staff writer at The Dallas Morning News. His extensive reporting on Winter Storm Uri helped keep Texans informed throughout an unprecedented weather event.

“He has been absolutely killing it,” Rick Rojas, national correspondent for The New York Times, said in a press release. “It seemed like every Morning News story I read about the storm had his byline, and I found myself checking his Twitter feed often in trying to keep on top of things.”

The president of Union Square Hospitality Group, Chip Wade MBA’98 was recently named to the board of directors for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Wade has spent the past four decades in the restaurant industry, serving as senior vice president of operations for Darden and executive vice president of operations at Red Lobster before moving to Union Square Hospitality Group.

“Not only is Chip an accomplished operator and leader, but he understands the strategic imperatives of Cracker Barrel and the casual dining industry,” William McCarten, chairman of the Cracker Barrel Board of Directors, said in a press release. “We anticipate Chip’s deep industry expertise will add not only a highly-relevant strategic perspective to our Boardroom but also meaningful insight for our management team.”

Amber Brown BA’15, MPA’17 was featured in Teen Vogue for her advocacy for climate justice and her work with the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led movement to stop climate change and create jobs. When Texas was impacted by Winter Storm Uri in February, Brown offered her home to friends without power, and together they cooked meals for community members in need.

“I think as young people, our experience in this climate crisis is enough and should empower all of us to get involved,” Brown told the publication.

If you or your work has been profiled in the news, we want to hear about it. Email a link and any other pertinent information to alumni@utdallas.edu.