Staff Spotlight: Walter Betts

At UTA Libraries, we know that every successful production—whether onstage or behind a screen—depends on the people working tirelessly behind the curtain. One of those indispensable figures is Walter Betts, our Director of Library Systems and Technology. 

Since joining UTA Libraries in 2020, Walter has been orchestrating the technical infrastructure that supports our students, faculty, staff and community. Whether its keeping systems running seamlessly or ensuring access to critical digital tools, his work keeps our Libraries connected and future ready. 

Walter's journey to librarianship wasn't a straight line. 

"As a kid, I never thought about being a librarian," Betts said. "I had just finished a bachelor's degree in music and planned to pursue my master's at SMU. But then I fell in love—and decided to get married." 

His future father-in-law, a librarian himself, posed the career-defining question: "What do you plan to do exactly with a music degree?" He also knew of an opening for a library clerk at Johnston Elementary School in Irving ISD—and just like that, a new path opened. It launched Betts on an unexpected but rewarding career. 

"The more I worked in libraries, the more I loved it," he said. "I've always been a reader, but I never would've pictured myself in this role. I thought I'd be a musician, a marine biologist—or maybe a Navy officer." 

Opportunities and challenges shaped Betts' path. He had once been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, but an injury redirected his course to an ROTC scholarship at the University of New Mexico. There, he discovered his love for music was stronger than his engineering classes. He noted that, at the time, you could pivot after two years without a service obligation, which worked out in his favor. 

Today, Betts leads Library Systems and Technology in advancing the Libraries' strategic priorities: student success, research excellence and community engagement. His team oversees everything from equipment purchasing and software setup to technology compliance and communication. 

"I help make sure we stay on track—budgets, approvals, issue resolution—you name it," Betts said. "But none of it works without the incredible LS&T staff. They're the ones solving problems daily and keeping things moving." 

Walter is quick to credit the team's experience and collaborative spirit. 

"They're a joy to work with," he said. "Everyone brings something unique to the table, and it shows in the service we provide." 

Beyond his work at UTA, Walter shares his expertise with future library professionals as a Texas Woman's University faculty member. Since 2002, he's taught courses in cataloging, systems administration, library automation, and library information and communication technology. 

"Like a lot of things in my life, someone reached out and said, 'Walter, you'd be good at this. Can you help? That's how I started teaching," he said. "I try to pay that forward. So many mentors and friends have encouraged me along the way. I want to be that kind of voice to others." 

While he didn't pursue a music career, his passion remains strong for it. He channels that passion as a saxophone player with the Metropolitan Winds. This volunteer wind ensemble was formed in 1993 and performs six to seven concerts annually, occasionally at the Moody Performance Hall in downtown Dallas. 

His love of music started in the fourth grade, when he played his sister's saxophone and grew from there. As a UTA student, he even won the university's concerto competition. But Betts says he's happiest performing in groups and sharing his talent with an audience. 

"I'm definitely connected to my instrument, but the playing experience changes depending on the setting. I got to play with an orchestra once and that's a unique feeling—you're out there leading the group," Betts said. "When you're part of a large musical ensemble, you know you're part of a team. When everyone synchronizes together, it's a beautiful thing. But my favorite type of playing is in a chamber ensemble, like a saxophone quartet." 

Music isn't the only thing that puts Walter onstage. This August, he'll return to the limelight in the Stolen Shakespeare Guild's production of My Fair Lady. Although it's been over a decade since he last performed in a play, he's looking forward to the opportunity. 

With all of his professional and personal accomplishments, he's most proud of being a husband and father. 

"I have a great family—a great wife, Kristi and a son, Timothy, whom I'm immensely proud of. Timothy was the salutatorian of his high school class and a National Merit Scholar," Betts said. "He went to Texas Christian University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees, and now he's a professor there. He completed his doctorate at the University of South Florida and is a communication studies scholar doing fantastically." 

Just like any great performance, the brilliance of UTA Libraries depends on those working behind the scenes to make everything possible. Walter Betts' steady leadership, deep technical knowledge and generous spirit helped set the stage for innovation, connection and discovery. Whether supporting library systems, mentoring future professionals, or performing with a saxophone, Betts reminds us that the people behind the curtain often help the show go on.