Blanca Gamez’s journey at UT began in 2000 when she arrived as a freshman looking for a
part-time job. She found one with Parking and Transportation Services — a move that would
turn into a 25-year career defined by purpose, growth, and connection. From student event
worker to director of Parking and Transportation Services, Blanca has held nearly every role the
department offers — kiosk guard, appeals officer, cashier — each one teaching her something
new, deepening her connection to UT, and fueling her passion for service and leadership. UT
isn’t simply where she works — it’s where she discovered the power of persistence and
possibility, and where both her children began their own journeys (a nod to another Campus
Services department, the UT Child Development Center).
1. What does a typical day look like for you?
My days are full of connection and movement. There are always meetings and emails, but the
real magic happens in conversations with my team. We talk about work, of course, but also
about life — those moments of human connection are incredibly meaningful.
And then there’s walking campus — my favorite part. It’s more than getting in steps; walking
allows me to experience campus in its full vibrancy. You see things you’d never notice from a
car — the rush of students, the quiet corners where ideas are born and discoveries are made.
It’s grounding and inspiring all at once.
2. What’s one initiative you’re especially proud of?
Launching UT Night Rides is one of my proudest moments. Providing safe, reliable, free
nighttime transportation for our campus community is more than a service — it’s a statement of
care and commitment. We saw a gap — the moment when traditional transit options stopped
but life didn’t — and we stepped in. Watching this initiative grow and succeed has been one of
the most meaningful parts of my journey here. It’s a perfect example of how PTS leads with care
and innovation.
3. What might surprise people about your team’s work?
Most people don’t realize PTS also manages campus vending — everything from Coke and
Pepsi machines to snack stations across campus. It’s not the first thing people associate with
transportation and mobility, but it’s a perfect example of how our work supports daily life at UT.
Whether someone’s grabbing a drink between classes or a snack during a long shift, we help
keep campus moving in more ways than one.
4. How does Parking and Transportation Services contribute to the campus experience?
From a campus experience perspective, UT’s multimodal transportation options — including
shuttles, bike infrastructure, carpool programs, and parking — foster a sense of connectivity.
These systems support students, faculty, staff, and visitors as they navigate a large and
dynamic campus.
5. Do you have favorite spots on campus or places that inspire you?
The campus grounds themselves inspire me. After spending much of my day indoors, stepping
outside and being surrounded by the rhythm of student life allows my thoughts to stretch.
There’s something grounding (no pun intended) about feeling the sun on my skin and finding joy
in the small wonders of our campus. It’s in these spaces that I reconnect with purpose, creativity, and a sense of being part of something bigger — something that will most definitely
change our world.