Category: Campus & Community

Computer science students are building real-world software, AI and cybersecurity solutions that support nonprofits and create community impact.

The University of Texas at Dallas has partnered with Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, skill development and research. UT Dallas has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tech Mahindra to facilitate collaboration with the India-based company, which opened […]

In May, new graduates of The University of Texas at Dallas crossed the stage to cheers from loved ones, celebrating an unforgettable milestone reached after years of dedication and resilience. In the Department of Computer Science, spring 2025 graduates marked the occasion with another cherished tradition: the CS Graduation Celebration Luncheon.

In the final installment of the spring 2025 Grace Series, SaiLakshmi Santhanakrishnan, head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability at Amazech and co-founder of the mentorship platform WeInspire Guru, delivered a powerful and inspiring talk titled “Off-Script: Creating Your Own Path in STEM, Leadership and Life.” With sincerity and conviction, she shared a career journey shaped not by traditional milestones but by courageous choices, bold transitions and an unwavering commitment to her values.

Veerasamy, from the Department of Computer Science, started a career in industry, but he soon decided to return to the classroom thanks to one important mentor — his father. “My father was a teacher in India,” Veerasamy said. “I grew up around his work, so I always respected the profession. I still think of myself primarily as a teacher.”

Rigorous coursework is often just the first step for students who are preparing for careers as engineers and computer scientists. Undergraduates may not have leadership roles on their radar before they have completed their first internships but through the process of mentorship, many students discover that they need coaching beyond their academic courses.

The University of Texas at Dallas continues its rise among the best universities in the United States, according to Forbes America’s Top Colleges 2023 rankings.

UT Dallas made the Top 100 in the Forbes list for the first time, ranking 97th overall, up 24 spots from last year. UTD also moved up to 43rd among public U.S. universities, an improvement of eight places from last year.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become one of the most impactful innovations in recent times, with its uses ranging from self-driving vehicles and virtual helpers to predictive analytics and medical diagnoses. Over the years, HackAI, hosted by the UT Dallas AI Society (AIS), has capitalized on the popularity of artificial intelligence with HackAI, a 24-hour hackathon featuring AI-related material. The hackathon aims to provide learning and competition opportunities and connect attendees to professionals who can further guide them in their AI journey. HackAI strives to demystify this specialized niche in computer science and bring it forward to students through an AI-related hackathon.

Graduation represents the conclusion of a journey and the accomplishment of a goal. Fifty years after its inaugural commencement ceremony, The University of Texas at Dallas capped off a day full of history with a stellar celebration for its most recent graduates. UT Dallas celebrated graduation this spring with each of the University’s eight schools hosting their own ceremonies — 12 in total, plus a doctoral hooding ceremony presided over by their respective deans. More than 5,000 students participated in the ceremonies. A total of 3,638 bachelor’s, 2,479 master’s, and 116 doctoral degrees were awarded by UT Dallas. Of a total of 1644 degrees awarded in the Jonsson School in Spring 2023, 606 bachelor’s degrees, 486 master’s degrees, and six doctoral degrees were awarded to Computers Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) majors. Sukanya Baichwal, Masters (MS) in computer science, and Cady Baltz, Bachelor (BS) in computer science, were the keynote speakers for the Jonsson School Graduation ceremonies.

Below are spring’23 CS graduation commencement speeches made by Cady Baltz, BS in CS, and Sukanya Baichwal, MS in CS.

Below is Cady Baltz speech.

Hello everyone! I am so honored to be a part of this day as we celebrate the Class of 2023. I also would like to extend a warm welcome to all of the family, friends, faculty and staff here whose support has made this journey possible for all of us.