For Tyrick Jackson, returning to UTA Libraries wasn’t just a career move—it was a return to a place that had always felt like home. 

Originally from East Texas, Tyrick moved to Arlington in 2019 to begin his college journey at UTA. As a visual communication student, he quickly found his place at the UTA FabLab, where creativity meets technology. What started as a student worker role soon evolved into a student lead position. Now, he serves in a full-time staff position as a Coordinator in Creative Spaces and Services. 

“I’m just a big helper in the space,” Jackson says with a smile. But that undersells the dynamic and impactful work he does every day. 

As a coordinator, Tyrick facilitates these innovative spaces, not just through logistics and operations but also by breathing life into their visual identities.  

“I’m working on giving each space its personality,” he explains. “That includes branding and making the spaces more accessible and visually welcoming to students.” 

Accessibility is a key part of Tyrick’s mission. While students are often excited to explore these spaces, he noticed that many don’t know where to start or what’s available. By improving visual communication—through signage, displays and clear pathways—Tyrick is encouraging more students to access the Libraries’ creative spaces and resources and engage with them.  

After graduating from UTA two years ago, Tyrick took a role outside of design. While the job was adjacent to his field, he felt creatively stifled.  

“I wasn’t developing any skills. I was stagnant,” Jackson recalls. “I realized I needed to move to a space where I could grow.” 

That realization brought him back to UTA Libraries, where he found what he’d been missing: creativity, collaboration and community. He joined full-time in March, and the transition felt natural from day one.  

“It was like coming home,” Jackson said. “The staff welcomed me with open arms. Some faces were familiar, others new—but the energy was the same; I get to talk to people, come up with new ideas, and help develop the space even more.” 

Jackson shared that he is constantly learning and expanding his skill set into 3D design and virtual production to continue growing as a professional.  

“As my mom would say, develop as many skills as you can throughout life,” he said. “I don’t want my creativity to stay in one lane—I want it to grow into different forms of media.” 

Being a former student worker gives Tyrick a unique connection to the students who now walk through the same doors he once did.  

“I understand what it’s like to start a project and not know where to begin,” he says. “Everyone learns differently, and my job is to meet them where they are—to make things easier, more approachable.” 

Outside of work, Tyrick is still deeply rooted in creativity. He’s an illustrator, a gamer and a devoted fisherman—a tradition that connects him to his East Texas roots.  

“Fishing is about the memories, the quality time,” Jackson recalls. “It’s something I’ve always done with my family. It’s peaceful. It’s grounding.” 

That same thoughtful, grounded energy carries into his work. Tyrick Jackson isn’t just shaping physical spaces—he’s shaping experiences. In doing so, he’s also helping students feel a little more at home.