Mary Robles: 35 years at UT Southwestern

Mary Robles

It’s 1999, the internet is still in its infancy, and Y2K – the event when many feared dating conventions in computer systems would cause mass technological hysteria – is approaching. UT Southwestern’s watch guard? Mary Robles with Information Resources. That New Year’s Eve night, she braved the office, holding down the fort as the clock struck midnight, only for nothing to happen.

The underwhelming event is unique in Ms. Robles’ experience at UTSW; usually, things are a lot busier. As Manager of the System Access Management team, she is responsible for creating system access for UTSW new hires, staff, students, and faculty. She says her co-workers make her job interesting and fun: “I continue to learn and grow every day.”

Ms. Robles hopes others would describe her as open, approachable, and willing to help with anything. “We work as a team,” she says, “and I will speak my mind, but work with my team for the best solution possible.” She also strives to embody a solid work ethic and be strong, supportive, and fair.

Ms. Robles began her career at UTSW as a Data Control Clerk, filing paper output that is now obsolete. Having experienced firsthand so many advancements at UTSW, she knows there will be even more: “UT Southwestern will continue to grow as it has over the last few years, attracting the best and brightest of medical students. The hospital, I am certain, will achieve even more awards for its excellence,” she predicts.

Ms. Robles is looking forward to retirement, and being able to read more. She also hopes to actively volunteer for an animal organization such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Until then, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, and 15-year-old grandson, who live in Austin.