Lisa Cagle’s Full-Circle Journey

Author: Kelli Sederavicius

Environmentalist, caregiver, and nurturer—Lisa Cagle is celebrating 25 years of service at UTA.

Lisa started working at UTA in a work-study position at the pharmacy when she was a student studying marketing.  Nearly 30 years later, she is again working at the pharmacy as a pharmacy technician and celebrating 25 years there.

After graduation, Lisa and her husband—whom she met at UTA—moved to San Francisco for work during the dot-com era. But when the bubble burst, they returned to Texas. One day, while giving blood on campus, Lisa decided to stop by the pharmacy to say hello to her former boss. That spontaneous visit turned into a job offer—her old job had just become available again, and they wanted her back.

In 2007, Lisa earned her national license and moved into a pharmacy technician position. In the time she’s been working here, she’s seen UTA change from a commuter school to a vibrant residential campus. And she’s changed too. “I’m now the age of most of the students’ parents, and I’m doing a little extra parenting with them.”

Lisa and her husband are also parents to two of their own children—one of whom is considering UTA for college—and they are also the caregivers for his 91-year-old grandmother, who has outlived four husbands and is now in assisted living. Lisa speaks with her daily and brings her along on Saturday errands.

When asked about the most memorable people she’s worked with at UTA, Lisa warmly recalls Jane Gartenhaus, the retired head pharmacist, and Kay Byington in Student Accounts, who introduced Lisa to her current husband.

And if she could have lunch with anyone? Jane Goodall tops the list because of her passion for environmentalism—a passion Lisa shares as well. At work, she’s raised awareness around sustainable purchasing and recycling, also ensuring that the styrofoam coolers they receive are reused or recycled.  She has even got all the pharmacy staff to join a produce coop. At home, she’s an avid gardener and composter.

Lisa’s life, like that of many people, has had many turns, but she says she wouldn’t give any different advice to her younger self because her experiences along the way are what has turned her into the person she is today.  For Lisa, that’s someone who has cultivated and maintained many relationships—a warm, caring person who we are fortunate to have with us at UTA.  Congratulations, Lisa!