Nick Anousis (PhD ‘98) recently returned to campus to mentor students and share his professional insight. As a key member of Merck’s Global Supply Management Group, Anousis specializes in managing new product launches, negotiating contracts, mitigating supply risks and identifying contract manufacturers to support Merck’s global operations.
Reflecting on his time at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), Anousis spoke about the University’s transformation from a small research center to the thriving campus it is today. “I liked the intimacy, getting to know the professors,” he said, remembering his own experience in small, focused classes. Despite its obvious changes, Anousis noted that UTD has maintained its strong sense of community, effectively blending rigorous academics with modern facilities. “The new lab facilities are fantastic,” he said, noting how much the campus had grown.
During his visit, coordinated by the School of Natural Science & Mathematics (NSM) Career Success Center, Anousis engaged with current students, answering their questions about the professional world, offering advice on navigating career paths, and sharing his own journey. “It’s important to have a good blend of experience and to actively recruit young professionals. These students could be future leaders in just five to ten years,” he explained, highlighting Merck’s commitment to building a strong career pipeline and recruiting top talent from universities like UTD.
The visit’s Q&A session was a highlight, with students eager to hear Anousis’ perspective on topics like career development, work-life balance and networking. Anousis shared how critical it is for students to stay curious and seek out mentors who can offer guidance. He also emphasized the importance of connecting with professionals across industries and backgrounds. “You never know where a conversation could lead.”
Anousis was also impressed by UTD’s alumni network, which provided an opportunity for him to reconnect with old friends and meet new graduates during his trip to Dallas. “It’s great to meet alumni who are doing such incredible things in their industries.”
As he concluded his time on campus, Anousis expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the University and NSM specifically. Despite his demanding schedule, which includes frequent international travel for his role at Merck, he made a conscious effort to prioritize giving back to his alma mater. “You have to make time for what matters. Spending time with students, learning from them, and offering guidance is something I value deeply.”
A Special Thank You
UT Dallas is fortunate to have alumni like Nick Anousis, who not only excel in their careers but also remain actively involved in the University community. The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is especially grateful for his commitment to mentoring and supporting our next generation of leaders.
We encourage other alumni to follow Nick’s example and make their interest known by contacting Erin Jines, development director for NSM. Erin can help connect you with students and opportunities to give back to UTD. We look forward to welcoming more alumni back to campus and seeing how you can make a lasting impact on our students’ futures.
The easiest way for students and alumni to set up a meeting with CSC staff is through Handshake.