University Co-op
Kate Navarro currently serves as the Professional Development Chair at Texas HBSA, where responsibilities include coordinating outreach initiatives and scheduling professional development events to promote various opportunities to students. Additionally, Kate has been a Social Media and Event Marketing Intern at University Co-op since January 2020, focusing on enhancing social media engagement and planning events such as Longhorn Happy Hour. Prior experience includes a managerial role at Chick-fil-A-Franchise from May 2017 to May 2021, where Kate oversaw operations, trained new employees, and implemented improved food safety protocols. Kate Navarro is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management at Texas McCombs School of Business, expected to graduate in 2023.
University Co-op
The only not-for-profit Longhorn store bringing down the cost of course materials for Longhorn students since 1896! The University Co-op was founded in 1896 by Dr. William J. Battle, a professor of the Greek language who later served as president of The University of Texas at Austin from 1914 to 1916. The original store opened on campus — it was located in the University’s Main Building--with books, stationery and athletic goods, and the intent was to sell its products to students at the lowest possible prices. Twenty-two years later the Co-op moved off campus to a one-story building on Guadalupe across from the Student Union Center and started selling merchandise to local citizens as well. The Co-op remained a co-operative until 1977, when it became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational corporation owned by the students, faculty and staff of The University of Texas at Austin. Through different locations and meeting the ever-changing needs of students and faculty, the Co-op has stayed true to its original idea and mission. The Co-op's commitment to education is evident through its continuing services to the University of Texas at Austin. Every semester, the Co-op manages the Course Material requisition process to ensure that the University is compliant with state and federal law. Each semester, the Co-op services tens of thousands of students, providing helpful guidance to Longhorns from their freshman textbooks to their graduation announcements and cap and gowns.