Dr. Peter Balyta MBA’03 will take the reins as chair of The University of Texas at Dallas Executive Board, as Mike Brodie BS’76 steps down after seven years of service.
“UT Dallas is doing great things for North Texas,” Balyta said. “It’s this gem that we have here. I want to do what I can to help others see that value and to help the University grow.”
Balyta is vice president at Texas Instruments and president of TI’s global Education Technology business. He’s responsible for directing global teams with the mission of improving the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. Throughout his career, Balyta has been committed to helping students strengthen their knowledge of math and science, and build the confidence to pursue advanced STEM courses that create paths to rewarding careers. He also led TI’s worldwide university research programs and corporate citizenship, where he facilitated partnerships with university engineering faculty and students to drive life-improving research projects while incorporating TI technology in the learning experience.
Balyta is a board director of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and partner to local robotics programs. He also works to help close the gender gap in STEM as a member of the national advisory council for High-Tech High Heels and through his service with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas as an executive committee and board member and as chair of the strategic planning committee.
A recipient of UT Dallas’ Green and Orange Award in 2017 recognizing alumni service, Balyta has championed the collaborative relationship between UT Dallas and TI that has been essential to both institutions’ success.
“At Texas Instruments, I’ve worked really hard with UTD on all sorts of research projects in electrical engineering and computer engineering, and that exciting work continues to this day,” Balyta said. “From our perspective, we have a bunch of amazing graduates just up the road, and we want to take every opportunity we can to help make sure that UT Dallas students want to work for us.”
Before joining TI in 2000, Balyta was a mathematics educator, a math and science district supervisor, and a Teachers Teaching with Technology instructor. He has a PhD in mathematics and technology education from McGill University, a master’s in mathematics education from Concordia University and an MBA from the Naveen Jindal School of Management.
As an alum, Balyta remained involved with the University as a member of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Advisory Board. He has served on UTD’s Executive Board since 2016.
“UT Dallas is doing great things for North Texas. It’s this gem that we have here. I want to do what I can to help others see that value and to help the University grow.”
Dr. Peter Balyta MBA’03
Outgoing chair Brodie was named to the position in 2017, the same year he was named a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. He plans to remain an active member of the Executive Board.
“It’s amazing how much attention UT Dallas gets from people who are not alumni, especially in the business community, because of the success we’ve had,” Brodie said. “The vision we have and the quality of our students will lead the future of the region.”
Brodie helped UT Dallas leaders plan and launch the second major fundraising campaign in University history — New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas.
“UT Dallas has a big vision,” Brodie said. “The University is very progressive and ambitious with its goals without ever compromising its standards of education. It’s been a great experience serving as board chair, and I think they will just keep building on this success.”
Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president for development and alumni relations, noted the benefit UTD gains from the community’s investment in students, faculty and programs.
“We’ve been fortunate to have had Mike’s guiding hand for the last seven years, and we have high expectations for Peter’s ability to lead us into the future,” he said.