Dana R. Willett, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director

Dana R. Willett has more than twenty years of experience leading and advancing credit and non-credit programming to grow professional, online and international learning units at Texas State University, Austin Peay State University and the University of Southern Indiana. He completed a BA in English and an MBA at the University of Southern Indiana.

Away from work he collects music, tinkers with electronics projects, and reads with a preference for biography, history and science

Toni Wegner, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Operations for Extended Education Ventures

Toni Wegner has been engaged with continuing and professional education since she returned to The University of Texas at Austin, her alma mater, in 2016. Prior to that, she spent 16 years at Harvard Business School in the Division of Research and Faculty Development, taught in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia for 10 years, and served in the U.S. Air Force (both active duty and in civil service) as a personnel research psychologist. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Psychology at UT Austin.

Toni is an avid traveler. Her love of seeing the world is second only to her long-time passion for racquetball.

Sunshine Barber, Director of Marketing and Communications

Sunshine M. Barber began marketing continuing education at UT Austin in 2008, managing digital and traditional marketing channels for both academic credit and non-credit professional education programs. Sunshine is responsible for brand and digital marketing strategy, including the development and implementation of lead and prospect generation technology to meet enrollment goals.

Away from work, Sunshine spends her time gardening and exploring the small towns of Central Texas with her husband and dogs in search of great BBQ.

Amanda Golden, Chief of Staff and Director of Enrollment and Student Services

Amanda Golden has over 15 years’ experience working in higher education and helping students navigate the college and university setting. Prior to joining Extended Education Ventures, Amanda worked in the Cockrell School of Engineering and the McCombs School of Business where she coached students on best practices for leveraging their classroom and co-curricular experiences for success in their academic and professional aspirations. Amanda earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and earned a master’s degree from St. Edward’s University.

When away from the office, Amanda enjoys reading a good book, working on puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Erin Harris, Director of Course Programming

Erin Harris is a lifelong adult education professional. At UT Austin since 2004, she’s worked with units ranging from community programs to executive education, collaborating with faculty to identify new continuing education opportunities and bring them to market. Erin is responsible for academic product strategy and development at EEV, overseeing areas including market research and instructional design.

Outside of the office, Erin is an avid reader of golden-age detective novels and loves traveling to amusement parks.

Aaron Sinkar, Senior Financial and Administrative Officer

Aaron Sinkar began his career in higher education in 2007, supporting business services functions in a variety of units, including IT, libraries and continuing education. Aaron is responsible for the financial strategy and business operations at EEV. He is involved with several committees supporting the growth and best practices of continuing education at UT Austin and serves on UPCEA’s Board of Directors Finance Committee (2022-2024).

Outside of work, Aaron likes to spend time with his family, traveling, camping, and taking a dip in the closest river, lake, or beach. 

Karen Smid, Director of Technology

Karen Smid leads the groups responsible for IT infrastructure and services and for using this infrastructure to enable course registration and delivery. She has worked at UT Austin since 2014. Over the years her career has transitioned many times, from university teaching to working in international affairs and human rights advocacy to being a project manager at UT. Her professional journey has made her passionate about supporting the students who use EEV’s programs to make their own career transitions. Karen is a member of UT’s Business and Administrative IT Leadership Council (BAITLC) and has a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Michigan.

Karen has a passion for music. Away from the office, she plays multiple musical instruments and sings.

Liliya Spinazzola, Senior Director, Extended Campus Custom Training

Liliya Spinazzola leads the Extended Campus Custom Training (ECCT) team, whose primary focus is to create custom training for all types of businesses by connecting industry leaders and top UT faculty to identify employee needs for professional growth, and in the process, building world-class professional development solutions. Liliya has been with UT Austin since 2010 and has a passion for delivering cutting-edge professional education programs for government, non-profit, corporate and military industries.

During her free time, Liliya loves gardening and taking long walks with her Newfoundland, Hopa, and her Bernese Mountain Dog, Mishka.