University Mourns Loss of AccessAbility Assistant Director
The Office of Student AccessAbility (OSA) and others across campus are mourning the loss of the center’s assistant director, Randy Batiste, who died Tuesday, July 17. He was 58.
Batiste joined UT Dallas in 2016. He worked closely with numerous faculty, staff and students to coordinate testing accommodations for students on campus, and he was instrumental in creating an electronic case management system for the OSA. He also was chair of the University’s Universal Access ERG and a member of the ADA Advisory Group.
Batiste was an expert on the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended in 2008. He had a special ability to review medical, psychological and psychoeducational documentation to determine eligibility for academic accommodations, and he had in-depth knowledge about assistive technology and its application in higher education.
“Randy touched many lives during his time at UT Dallas,” said Dr. Amanda Smith, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. “Our faculty, staff and students enjoyed his company and benefited greatly from his vast experience. He was a true champion for all who came through the Office of Student AccessAbility, and he will be greatly missed.”
Outside of work, Batiste was active in wheelchair sports, serving as a coach, teammate and organizer for athletic teams in the Dallas area.
He was a graduate of Randolph High School in Universal City, Texas, UT Austin and the University of North Texas.
He held a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and a master’s degree in applied technology and performance improvement.
Batiste was laid to rest on Saturday, July 28 in Windcrest, Texas. If desired, his family suggests donations be made in his name to the OSA.
The Student Counseling Center is available for students to help those in mourning, and current employees may utilize the Employee Assistance Program.
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