Hara Cootes retired from the University at the end of September after 32 years of work at UT’s Child Development Center. What began as a temporary role in 1992 evolved into a lifelong commitment to nurturing children and supporting families, transforming the center into a vital resource for the UT community.
A Passion for Growth and Innovation
Cootes’ journey started with a part-time position while she completed her degree in family and child development at Texas State University. Although initially met with skepticism regarding her experience, Cootes pursued her work with passion. She noticed issues such as children enrolled but not attending and took action by developing a comprehensive handbook of operating procedures. Her determination quickly proved her value and led to her appointment as assistant director, a position she held for 14 years before becoming director.
Under her leadership, the Child Development Center expanded from serving 86 children in one location to 585 children across three sites—Leona, Comal, and the Capitol Complex. Each location offers full-day care for infants through pre-K, embodying a commitment to quality early childhood education.
Supporting the University’s Mission by Supporting UT Families
Cootes takes pride in the center's role as a vital support system for UT families. She recalls moments when parents faced unexpected challenges, such as sudden child care needs, and how fulfilling it was to provide solutions.
“These things really matter,” she says, emphasizing the center's mission to alleviate stress for parents, enabling them to focus on their work and studies.
The Child Development Center has also become an essential tool for faculty recruitment and retention. By reserving 14 child care spaces annually for new hires, the center has made a significant impact on the University’s ability to attract top talent. Cootes recognizes how this support can make a difference in a candidate’s decision to join UT and treasures the ways in which the Child Development Center contributes to some of the University’s biggest accomplishments.
One example is Jason McLellan, a UT researcher who invented a method for engineering key proteins in coronaviruses that were instrumental in many leading vaccines against COVID-19. He relied on the center’s services while making groundbreaking advancements.
“Doing this work is important,” Cootes says. “But doing it at UT makes it even more meaningful.”
Her dedication to education didn’t stop at the center; she also earned a master’s degree in early childhood education and taught courses as an adjunct professor at Austin Community College. Though her pursuit of a Ph.D. was interrupted by a cancer diagnosis, Cootes emerged seven years later with renewed gratitude and a deep appreciation for the support she received while raising her own three children, all of whom attended the Child Development Center.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Cootes handed the reins to her successor, Becky Ryan, she left behind a strong, committed team dedicated to the center’s mission.
“We have the most incredible caring group,” she says, praising their camaraderie and commitment to creating an open, honest culture.
The UT Child Development Center, enriched by Hara Cootes' vision and leadership, continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the University experience for students and staff members alike. Though she has retired, her legacy of nurturing and innovation will undoubtedly endure, supported by the vibrant community she helped build.
