Neelam Agarwal
Assistant Director
M.A., Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Arizona at Tucson (2004).
M.A., Social Work (MSW), University of Delhi (1996).
B.A., Applied Psychology, University of Delhi (1994).
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
nagarwal@utep.edu | 915-747-7462 (Phone) | 915-747-8712 (Fax)
I joined Disabled Student Service office (DSSO) as an Assistant Director in February 2008 and since then I am serving as an Acting Director of Disabled student service office. At present I am providing leadership to enhance DSSO service delivery and program development in order to assist students with reaching personal and educational goals.
As administrator, I attend meetings throughout campus where I represent the DSSO and advocate for our students.I also provide information/outreach to prospective students, parents and secondary schools and community organizations concerning documentation criteria and services for students with disabilities. Apart from that I collaborate with faculty, administration and staff to address disability related issues, as well as with other university units and departments to identify and address accessibility issues on campus.
Recently I have started DSSO Social club. This social club meets at least once a month to discuss issues, find resources and provide friendship and support for students with disabilities on campus. Apart from that I also launched a DSSO Newsletter for UTEP students, staff and faculty members. The aim of this newsletter is to inform them about DSSO resources and services and allowing students with disabilities to share their experiences and personal stories.
I moved to El Paso from Philadelphia, PA where I was working at Temple University. Previously I also worked for Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) that is a State Department as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I am having a great time in El Paso as I love sunshine, warm hospitality and rich culture of El Paso.
My favorite aspect of this job is that I love meeting bright dynamic student population knowing that in small way I may be able to help them to fulfill their educational dream while also helping them to develop and maintain independence. I love watching students growing with developing self-confidence and independence.
I also enjoy cooking, yoga, and outdoor activities. My husband (Vinod Kumar, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UTEP) and I enjoy hiking like recently we climbed Guadalupe Mountain and camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park (- the largest canyon system in Texas) and at Caprock Canyons State Park (eroded red rock buttes and gorges at the edge of the High Plains).