Del Conte has managed to keep all of UT's construction projects on task during the pandemicGETTY IMAGES
The creation of his own internal task force has been "most important" for Univ. of Texas AD Chris Del Conte as he navigates the impact of the ongoing pandemic, according to Nick Moyle of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. The "Get Back to the Forty Acres" committee is "comprised of four 'cross-functional' groups led by senior personnel within the Texas athletic department." One group is "overseeing the plan for the staff," while another led by UT Exec Senior Associate AD & Chief of Staff Chris Plonsky is "doing the same for student-athletes." There also is a "facilities and game day logistics group and a donor and fan experiences team." UT also has "worked closely with the Dell Seton Medical Center, the Big 12 and the city of Austin on crafting a phased plan of action to allow athletes to return to campus and remain safe." What came out of that collaboration was "two manuals distributed on June 8: a 45-page COVID-19 guide for employees and a 16-page 'return to campus' plan for athletes." The pages "contain everything from testing and reporting policies, what the response will be to a positive COVID-19 test, a strict carpool policy and how to fill out mandatory daily screening questionnaires." Meanwhile, Del Conte has "managed to keep all of Texas' ongoing construction projects ... on track" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 6/12).
AGENTS OF CHANGE: In Dallas, Chuck Carlton notes UT football players and coaches "marched to the state capital June 4 in Austin" as part of protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The school has been "among the most active football programs reacting to the death of George Floyd." UT coach Tom Herman "praised his players for being agents of change and using their platform." Herman: "I do know our team is committed to making sure that this is not -- not -- the last time you will see Texas football out on the forefront of changing the landscape and system of our society as best we can" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/12).
