Former Longhorns quarterback Vince Young, who led the team to the 2005 national championship, is returning to The University of Texas at Austin to work for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE).
Beginning on Sept. 1, Young will serve as development officer for program alumni relations. He will help raise money to support DDCE programs that address the educational challenges of first-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds.
These programs include the Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence, which is part of the university’s four-year graduation initiative; UT Elementary School; the University Interscholastic League (UIL); and the UT-University Charter School, which has units throughout the state.
“Vince’s passion for the educational success of young people and his experiences as a first-generation college graduate make him a perfect fit for this role,” said Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement. “We are excited about the enthusiasm and skill set he is bringing to our team and look forward to working with Vince.”
DDCE works to create an inclusive, accessible and welcoming culture on campus; cultivate community-university partnerships, with an emphasis on historically and currently underserved communities; create a successful pathway for first-generation and underrepresented students; and serve as a national model for diversity and community engagement through innovative scholarship, teaching, policy development, programs and services.
Young has been involved with DDCE programs for years. He participated in UIL competitions while growing up in Houston and volunteered with the Neighborhood Longhorns Program as a student at UT Austin.
“The position with DDCE is a great way to stay connected to the university and help make a difference in the lives of underserved kids across the state,” said Young.
Young led The University of Texas football team to a BCS National Championship in the 2006 Rose Bowl and was a quarterback in the National Football League for six seasons. He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied learning and development in 2013.
“Vince Young brought a national championship to Texas, returned to the Forty Acres to earn his degree and will now help other students reach their goals and change the world,” said Bill Powers, president of The University of Texas at Austin.
