35 Years: Maggie Pinson

Maggie Pinson
Maggie Pinson

Maggie Pinson is fluent in Spanish, and was when she became Director of the Office of International Affairs 35 years ago.

It might seem to be simply intuitive to have a bilingual Director, but Ms. Pinson doesn’t think that’s so: “What you need is to be bicultural,” she says. “Fluency in a foreign language is one way to gain insight into another culture.”

The Office of International Affairs is centered on assisting the more than 1,000 students and trainees on campus, in addition to guiding UT Southwestern Medical Center components that are recruiting international faculty members.

“We provide a lot of support to clinical and basic science departments,” Ms. Pinson says. “The process to move from temporary visa status to U.S. permanent residency varies based on the individual’s specialized field, previous U.S. visa history, and professional accomplishments. An individualized strategy is required.”

In addition, the office offers the English as a Second Language Program and the highly popular English Conversation program, which connects English speakers with their international counterparts in order to aid the newcomers in learning to navigate conversation.

“It’s a challenge, and there’s always something new to learn,” she says. “But it’s also a job that leaves me with the feeling that I’m really able to help people.”

Personally, Ms. Pinson says she’s known as a co-worker who is “patient and calm.” Those traits have served her well throughout her career. “I’ve stayed for the challenge and for the service. There’s always something new to learn, and I feel that I am able to really help.”

Ms. Pinson – who likes to read fiction in her off-duty hours – is sure that she’ll write the great American novel sometime in the distant future after she retires from the medical center. She has a daughter, Alice, who’s 25, a favorite nephew, and beautiful 2-year-old great niece.

Asked how she’d like to be remembered, she puts it simply: “I’d like to be known as the person who will go the extra mile to help someone in need.”

Employee Recognition 2015

Long-term employees play an invaluable role in the life of UT Southwestern Medical Center. Their faithful, dedicated service has helped the institution become what it is today. In this special edition of Center Times, we showcase some of these employees and their varied interests.