Thursday, April 7, 2022
Aryele Maye is a newcomer to the UNT System, having joined the UNT Dallas College of Law last January. Like so many faculty and staff at UNT Dallas, both the main campus in southern Dallas and the law school in downtown Dallas, so much of the lure is teaching at two of the most diverse campuses in America. Her passion for fashion and the creative arts took this former middle school teacher who worked with at-risk students, took her legal talents to 20th Century Fox and Netflix. Now a brand-new mom, this lover of reading is already passing it down with a nightly reading of these rhymes.
Q&A
What is your favorite aspect about your job?
One, I work at one of the most diverse law schools in the country, how exciting is
that?! And, getting the opportunity to guide students on effective practices that
lead to academic success and ultimately a promising legal career energizes me.
What led you to pursue your particular field of study/expertise?
I'm a creative person and am surrounded by other creative individuals that actually
make a living from their gifts/talents. So, my desire to advocate for them along with
my interest in fashion and other creative endeavors took me on a path that ultimately
led to working in television production. And, before becoming an attorney, I taught
middle school. I worked with at-risk students and students with learning challenges.
Before you joined the UNT Dallas College of Law earlier this year, you worked for
20th Century Fox and Netflix. What were some of the more interesting aspects of working
in entertainment law?
I always enjoyed any time I was able to get away from the desk and visit the set or
go see the actors read the script (a table read). Getting to see a project you've
been working on come to life brought me a lot of joy. And, because you are working
with creative people, I was consistently challenged with resolving new problems.
What compelled you to join the UNT Dallas College of Law?
I'd been working remotely in Dallas since the start of the pandemic. I knew that I
wanted to return to teaching, but in the higher education space instead of K-12. When
I learned of the opportunity in the Academic Success & Bar Readiness Department at
the law school, I connected with the position and the mission of the law school.
What is your proudest work moment?
We were reviewing a script for an episode of a series. Because of my knowledge of
pop culture and music, I was able to highlight a line in the script that needed additional
conversation to avoid possible litigation. The lesson I learned in that moment was
to bring my whole self to work.
What is your proudest non-work moment?
Becoming a mom has been my greatest accomplishment. I have a 4-month-old daughter
who is a true joy.
What is a fact about you that may surprise your colleagues?
I'm not sure how much of a surprise this would be, but I was a cheerleader for 12
years, including college.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE...
Book?: I don't have favorite books, but I have favorite authors. A few are James Baldwin, Dick Gregory and Toni Morrison. My favorite book to read with my daughter is Chika Chika Boom Boom.
Movie?: It's so cheesy, but I know every word of Love & Basketball.
Hobby?: One of my favorite hobbies is reading. I've always loved to read, but that feeling
is amplified now that I get to share my passion for reading with my daughter.