Meet the Staff

Lori Carter, B.A.

Manager, UTA-EEC Continuing Education

817-272-2581 | lori.carter@uta.edu
Lori Carter is the Manager of the Continuing Education Department at UTA-EEC, where she oversees program development, student success, and workforce training initiatives. She also manages financial assistance for the Continuing Education department, leveraging her extensive background in higher education financial aid.

Lori holds dual Associate of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Correctional Administration with an emphasis in Forensic Science from Weatherford College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. She completed her internship at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office under the guidance of Dr. Nannepaga Zachariah, gaining hands-on experience in forensic science and criminal investigations.

With a strong foundation in criminal justice, education, and student support services, Lori is dedicated to guiding students through practical learning experiences, facilitating professional growth, and helping them achieve their career goals in healthcare and continuing education. She also brings an extensive background in graphic and web design, skills she occasionally applies to support departmental projects and communications.

In her downtime, Lori enjoys spending time with her grandbaby, crafting and selling at craft fairs, and is devoted to her family. Her favorite time of year is Christmas, which she loves celebrating with loved ones. Any chance she gets, you can find Lori hanging out at Disney World!

Minnie Franco, LVN

Manager, UTA-EEC Health Careers Institute

817-272-2581 | minerva.franco2@uta.edu
Minerva "Minnie" Franco is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and health science educator with more than 20 years of experience in clinical care, workforce training, and healthcare education. She currently serves as the Allied Health Program Manager for Continuing Education at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she also teaches courses including CPR, EKG, Patient Care Technician (PCT), BLS, and Phlebotomy. Minnie is known for her ability to translate real-world clinical experience into engaging, hands-on instruction that prepares participants for certification and success in healthcare careers.

Throughout her career, Minnie has developed curriculum, supervised learners, and coordinated externship placements to ensure participants gain both the knowledge and practical experience needed to enter the healthcare workforce. In addition to her instructional roles at institutions such as UTA, Del Mar College, and Midland College, she has served in multiple clinical positions including LVN Charge Nurse and LVN Field Nurse, providing direct patient care and supervising healthcare staff in a variety of settings.

Minnie holds numerous industry certifications across the allied health fields she teaches, including EKG, CCMA, RMA, PCT, Phlebotomy, CNA, and Pharmacy Technician, and is a certified BLS Instructor. As a practicing LVN with extensive teaching and program development experience, she brings a unique perspective that bridges clinical practice, certification preparation, and workforce education. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish and conversational in ASL, enabling her to connect with diverse populations of learners and patients.

Matthew Anderson, B.S., M.S.

UTA-EEC Program Coordinator

817-272-2581 | matthew.anderson2@uta.edu
Matt Anderson brings extensive expertise in administration, event management, and customer service to his role as a Coordinator for the Continuing Education Department. He earned a Master of Science in Sport and Recreation Administration from the University of Mississippi, where he was recognized as the 2018-19 P. Gordon McMurray Sport and Recreation Graduate Student of the Year. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism with an emphasis in Sport Management and a Business minor from the University of Missouri.

Matt has built a diverse professional career spanning higher education, municipal recreation, insurance systems, and nonprofit initiatives. Most recently, he served as an Insurance Systems Administrator with OneMain Solutions, where he managed system access, resolved account discrepancies, and coordinated large-scale reporting processes. He also contributed to community impact projects through grant writing, fundraising, and volunteer leadership.

With a strong foundation in education, Matt is especially passionate about helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. During his time as a Graduate Assistant and Instructor at the University of Mississippi, he taught undergraduate courses, advised students on degree pathways, and mentored them as they prepared for future careers. His commitment to student success continues to shape his professional approach, blending clear communication, guidance, and support with every role he undertakes.

Matt is a sports fanatic and enjoys cheering for the University of Missouri Tigers and Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoys a relaxing round of golf, binge watching new shows, and keeping up with the weather around the country.

Haley Smith, B.A.

UTA-EEC Program Coordinator

817-272-2581 | haley.smith@uta.edu
Haley is a proud graduate of Whitworth University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management while also competing as a student-athlete in both volleyball and track and field. With a strong foundation in leadership, teamwork, and discipline, Haley brings a well-rounded perspective to our professional endeavors.

Before UTA, Haley gained valuable experience working for The Walt Disney Company, where she developed a deep appreciation for customer service, attention to detail, and brand excellence. Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her spouse and staying creative through quilting and other crafts. Whether in business or personal life, Haley is driven by passion, precision, and a love for continuous growth.