The University of North Texas is a student-centered public research university and is the flagship of the UNT System. The university stands as the most comprehensive in the Dallas–Fort Worth region, offering 93 bachelor’s, 111 master’s and 50 doctoral degree programs, many nationally recognized.
UNT is a thriving university with a legacy of excellence in a broad range of academic areas. It is also one of the largest universities in Texas, enrolling more than 33,500 students. Founded in 1890, UNT takes pride in its outstanding faculty, high academic standards and diverse student body. Offering a traditional college experience at an affordable cost, UNT boasts a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and Division I-A athletics. Named one of America’s 100 Best College Buys® for 10 consecutive years, UNT also provides more than 60 centers and institutes which serve the public good.
The university is committed to academic excellence, to student success and to serving as an intellectual resource for the community, state and nation.
UNT was founded in 1890 as Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute. Joshua C. Chilton, the founding president, leased facilities above a hardware store on Denton’s square to establish a teacher training institute. His charge to the faculty at its first assembly remains an important part of UNT’s value system: “It will be our aim to become leaders in the education of the young men and women of Texas, fitting them to creditably fill the most important positions in business and professional circles. We desire the cooperation of all who believe in higher education and who want to see our state in the very front of intellectual as well as material progress.”
The university has had seven names through the years.
1890 Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute
1894 North Texas Normal College
1901 North Texas State Normal College
1923 North Texas State Teachers College
1949 North Texas State College
1961 North Texas State University
1988 University of North Texas
Incoming students score well above the national and state averages on the SAT, and they choose UNT for the quality of its programs, many of which are nationally ranked. More degree programs at UNT are nationally accredited than at any other university in the Dallas–Fort Worth region (see list of accrediting organizations following the index). UNT “firsts” through the years include:
The university has been led by 13 presidents:
Joshua C. Chilton (1890-93)
John J. Crumley (1893-94)
Menter B. Terrill (1894-1901)
J.S. Kendall (1901-06)
W.H. Bruce (1906-23)
Robert L. Marquis (1923-34)
W.J. McConnell (1934-51)
J.C. Matthews (1951-68)
John J. Kamerick (1968-70)
John Carter (acting, 1970-71)
C.C. Nolen (1971-79)
John Carter (acting, 1979-80)
Frank E. Vandiver (1980-81)
Howard W. Smith Jr. (ad interim, 1981-82)
Alfred F. Hurley (1982-2000)
Norval F. Pohl (2000-present)
From 1981 until 2000, the president also carried the responsibilities and title of Chancellor of the University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Senate Bill 751 of the 76th Texas Legislature provided for the establishment of the University of North Texas System, and in July 1999, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board confirmed formal system status for UNT, including the Denton campus, UNTHSC in Fort Worth and the UNT Dallas Campus (UNT System Center at Dallas). In October 2000, the positions of president and chancellor were officially separated.
The university has had three chancellors:
Frank E. Vandiver (1981)
Alfred F. Hurley (1981-2002)
Lee Jackson (2002-present)
On August 24, 2002, the UNT Board of Regents named Alfred F. Hurley Chancellor Emeritus of the UNT System and President Emeritus of the university.
UNT is in Denton, a friendly college town of about 100,000 people located 35 miles north of Dallas and Fort Worth. The main campus, which is the largest residential campus in the region, public or private, has 158 buildings on about 800 acres. The Research Park is located 4.5 miles north of the main campus and is accessible by shuttle buses, as are a residence hall and athletic facilities at Eagle Point and the Mean Green Village, immediately southwest of the main campus.
Many business, industry, education, government and cultural activities that support university studies are in the Dallas–Fort Worth region, the fifth largest metropolitan region in the country.
The University of North Texas is the largest and most comprehensive research and doctoral degree-granting institution in the North Texas area and the flagship of the UNT System. The university is committed to excellence in teaching and the discovery and application of knowledge through research and creative activities. As an educational leader in the North Texas region, the university is dedicated to the development of the area as a top region in the nation.
The university:
The university continues to expand its relationship with the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth; to develop the University of North Texas Dallas Campus (UNT System Center at Dallas); and to cultivate partnerships with elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, other universities, businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of education and community life.
The University of North Texas will be one of the state’s top-tier universities that provides premier educational, intellectual, research and cultural resources. As the flagship of a multi-institutional university system and the leading university of its region, UNT will be recognized for education, research, creative activities and public service, and for advancing innovations in the enhancement of learning. UNT will be an inclusive and diverse institution with an international perspective, helping to create high-quality graduates, an informed citizenry, and a workforce well prepared for the global economy.
To achieve this vision, the University of North Texas will:
At the heart of the university’s efforts to carry out its mission are the faculty. Individually, UNT faculty members have been singled out for contributions to their teaching and research fields through diverse national and international awards.
Collectively, the faculty have contributed significantly to research and scholarship within various fields through numerous publications, presentations at scholarly conferences, concerts, recitals, exhibitions and performances.
Faculty leadership in teaching, research, creative activities, performance and service activities has created national and international reputations for excellence for a number of academic programs within the university’s 11 schools and colleges.
A wide array of student clubs and organizations offer UNT students friendships with people of similar interests and avenues for organized and meaningful service. Included are national honor societies, national professional societies and departmental clubs, an active Greek system and special focus groups with interests that encompass everything from residence life to politics and sports. For information, call (940) 565-3807.
Library facilities at the University of North Texas function as the nerve center for teaching and academic research. In addition to a major collection of electronic journals, books and databases, five campus facilities house just under two million cataloged holdings, including books, periodicals, maps, documents, microforms, audiovisual materials, music scores, full-text journals and books. A branch library is located at the University of North Texas Dallas Campus.
Willis Library holds one of the country’s largest music libraries, extensive phonographic disc and tape collections, a broad humanities and social sciences collection, the University Archives, and the Rare Books and Texana collections. Other unique library collections include the private jazz collections of Stan Kenton, Don Gillis, Whit Ozier and Leon Breeden; the private library of Anson Jones, president of the Republic of Texas; Texas county histories; miniatures; and examples of important early publishing, printing and binding styles. The library is a depository for U.S. and Texas government documents, including the Texas Register. The library also serves as an online morgue (cybercemetery) for government web sites and documents.
The Media Library in Chilton Hall houses a large collection of audiovisual materials, including motion pictures, tapes, recordings and videodiscs, DVDs, videocassettes, 16mm films and audio CDs.
The Science and Technology Library, housed in the Information Sciences Building, emphasizes physics, chemistry, biology and library science and includes an outstanding collection in mathematics.
The Research Park Library, supporting the College of Engineering, has a collection of journals and materials focused on computer science and engineering, materials science and engineering, electrical engineering and engineering technology. There are two library locations: reference assistance and current periodicals in Room B112; and the library collection, bound periodicals and reserves in Room M130.
The Library Annex houses more than 400,000 lesser-used materials and the preservation and technical services departments of the University Libraries. Items located in the annex are so noted in the libraries’ online catalog and may be requested if needed for research. The Library Annex, located just off Airport Road on Precision, is near the main campus.
Through the libraries’ membership in TexShare, students with a TexShare library card may borrow materials at college, university and public libraries throughout the state of Texas. Contact library staff for details. Active participation in AMIGOS Library Services Inc. provides access to a variety of computerized library services, including interlibrary loans, bibliographic database searching and shared cataloging. The libraries have a large number of electronic databases available for public use, both on and off campus, via computer linkage. The UNT Libraries hold a membership in the Center for Research Libraries. The center, which functions as an extension of the local collections, is dedicated to acquiring and lending materials that complement and supplement the collections of the major research libraries of North America. The University Library has been designated a major research library by the U.S. Department of Education.
Centralized computing services that support instruction, research and student learning are provided through Academic Computing Services (ACS). ACS is a division of the Computing and Information Technology Center and is located in Room 119 of the Information Sciences Building. These services include support for a wide range of research computing platforms, student messaging, training, consulting and a university computing help desk (www.unt.edu/helpdesk).
In addition to the services directly supported by Academic Computing Services, computer services are also available from the University Libraries and many college, school and departmental computer support centers. Computer networks are installed in all academic departments, providing connectivity with a variety of general-purpose and specialized computing equipment. Online courses are offered with support from the Center for Distributed Learning using computing systems supported by the Computing and Information Technology Center.
Fourteen general access microcomputer laboratories, housing approximately 700 computers, are available to all students for use of both Windows and Macintosh personal computers. Laser printers are provided in all labs. Approximately 30 additional special-purpose labs serve students in particular disciplines or students living in university residence halls. In addition, all residence hall rooms have connections to the campus network, allowing students to have high-speed access to the Internet on their own computers.
Academic Computing Services provides electronic mail to all students via EagleMail, a web-based e-mail system. EagleMail is used as an official communication medium between the university and students. Internet services available to students include personal web page publishing. Many buildings, including the University Union and libraries, have wireless network access, which is available to enrolled students.
Academic Computing Services provides support for a variety of microcomputer-based software applications. Site licenses are maintained for microcomputer versions of SPSS, SAS, S-Plus, STATA, and Matlab, which provide statistical analysis capabilities.
Several statistical analysis packages, including SAS, SPSS and S-Plus, are provided in many of the general access labs. Academic Computing Services also maintains a multi-node computing cluster to support concurrent execution of long-running user-compiled programs for computation-based research.
The Computing and Information Technology Center serves as a repository for a substantial body of machine-readable data including the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) data archives, Standard and Poor’s COMPUSTAT and the Center for Research in Security Prices’ (CRSP) data sets. The University Libraries also maintain a number of databases and other research materials on CD-ROM servers that are accessible through the campus network.
Consulting and training are provided by Academic Computing Services to facilitate the use of research and instructional computing facilities by students. A series of short courses is offered each term/semester to allow students to gain the expertise necessary to use campus computer systems effectively. A number of computer-based training programs are accessible within student laboratories or via the web (www.unt.edu/training). Experienced consultants are available to assist students with technical problems.
The Computing and Information Technology Center (CITC) operates a campuswide help desk service to provide students with information and help on a variety of computing problems (www.unt.edu/helpdesk).
Benchmarks Online (www.unt.edu/benchmarks), CITC’s newsletter, is published monthly and serves as an excellent resource for current information systems at UNT.
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; telephone (404) 679-4500] to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Inquiries to the commission should relate only to the accreditation status of the institution.
In addition, the University of North Texas offers programs accredited by the following organizations.
AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
Accreditation Council for Cooperative Education
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
American Psychological Association
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Association for Behavior Analysis
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council on Rehabilitation Education
Council on Social Work Education
Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Association of Schools of Music
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
National Recreation and Park Association/American Association of Leisure and Recreation Council on Accreditation
State Board for Educator Certification
Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Addresses of accrediting organizations are printed following the index.
In addition, the University of North Texas offers programs that are approved or recognized by:
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Council for Exceptional Children
Educational Leadership Constituent Council
International Reading Association
International Society for Technology in Education
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Council of Teachers of English
National Council of Teachers in Mathematics
The University of North Texas holds the following memberships.
American Association of State Colleges and Universities
American College Dance Festival
American Political Science Association
Association of Texas Colleges and Universities
Association of Texas Graduate Schools
Broadcast Education Association
Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities
Conference of Southern Graduate Schools
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Council for Public University Presidents and Chancellors
Council on Undergraduate Research
Federation of North Texas Area Universities
National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges
National Collegiate Honors Council
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Texas Association of Broadcast Educators
University Film and Video Association
John Robert “Bobby” Ray, Chair (2007), Plano
Burle Pettit, Vice Chair (2007), Lubbock
Marjorie B. Craft (2007), DeSoto
Robert A. Nickell (2009), Dallas
Charles D. Mitchell (2011), Dallas
Al Silva (2011), San Antonio
C. Dan Smith (2011), Plano
Gayle W. Strange (2009), Denton
Rice M. Tilley, Jr. (2009), Fort Worth
Brittany Adams (2007), UNT student
Lee F. Jackson, MPA, Chancellor of the University of North Texas System
Norval F. Pohl, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and President of the University of North Texas
Ronald Blanck, DO, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and President of the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth
T. J. “Jack” Morton, JD, Senior Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations
Nancy S. Footer, JD, Vice Chancellor and General Counsel
Phillip C. Diebel, BBA, CPA, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Affairs
Richard L. Escalante, MA, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services
Cassandra Berry, BA, Associate Vice Chancellor for Equity and Diversity
Deborah S. Leliaert, MEd, Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing
Lee F. Jackson, MPA, Chancellor of the University of North Texas System
Norval F. Pohl, PhD, President of the University of North Texas, including the UNT Dallas Campus (UNT System Center at Dallas)
Howard C. Johnson, PhD, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer
Suzanne V. LaBrecque, PhD, Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Philip M. Turner, EdD, Vice Provost for Learning Enhancement
Celia Williamson, PhD, Special Assistant to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Philip M. Turner, EdD, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for Distance Education
Richard Rafes, JD, PhD, Senior Vice President for Administration
Phillip C. Diebel, BBA, CPA, Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs
Gregory McQueen, PhD, Senior Vice President for Advancement
Bonita C. Jacobs, PhD, Vice President for Student Development
Deborah S. Leliaert, MEd, Vice President for University Relations, Communications and Marketing
Joneel Harris, PhD, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
Cassandra Berry, BA, Associate Vice President for Equity and Diversity
John R. Todd, PhD, Interim Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Accreditation
John Ellis Price, PhD, Vice Provost for the UNT Dallas Campus (UNT System Center at Dallas)
Thomas L. Evenson, PhD, Faculty Executive Assistant to the President.
Paul Dworak, PhD, Director of Compliance
Richard Villareal, BS, Director of Athletics
Honors College,
Gloria C. Cox, PhD, Dean
College of Arts and Sciences,
Warren W. Burggren, PhD, Dean
College of Business Administration,
Kathleen Cooper, PhD, Dean
College of Education,
M. Jean Keller, EdD, Dean
College of Engineering,
Oscar N. Garcia, PhD, Dean
School of Library and Information Sciences,
Herman Totten, PhD, Dean
School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management,
Judith C. Forney, PhD, Dean
College of Music,
James Scott, DMA, Dean
College of Public Affairs and Community Service,
David W. Hartman, PhD, Dean
School of Visual Arts,
Robert Milnes, PhD, Dean
Robert B. Toulouse School of Graduate Studies,
Sandra Terrell, PhD, Dean
University Libraries,
B. Donald Grose, PhD, Dean of Libraries
Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science,
Richard J. Sinclair, PhD, Dean
The University of North Texas has a history of seeking to preserve an atmosphere of openness and tolerance. It is committed to maintaining an unpretentious and accepting atmosphere welcoming to anyone who strives to achieve his or her personal best. UNT possesses and values an increasing diversity among the individuals who make up its community. This is one of UNT’s greatest strengths.
Individuals within the UNT community are unified by a primary purpose: learning. With that primary purpose in mind, UNT works to advance ideals of human worth and dignity by facilitating open discussion, supporting rational resolution of conflict and encouraging examination of values.
Harassment based on individual differences is inconsistent with UNT’s mission and educational goals. Every member of the UNT community enjoys certain human and constitutional rights, including the right to free speech. At the same time, individuals who work, study, live and teach within this community are expected to refrain from behavior that threatens the freedom, safety and respect deserved by every community member in good standing.
Every member of the UNT community must comply with federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations. Such compliance is not only a given standard, but is, in fact, a baseline from which our community works to assure fairness and equity to all who pursue their educational and professional goals here.
Students, faculty or staff who have concerns or questions should contact the appropriate office. Students should call the Dean of Students at (940) 565-2648. Faculty and staff should call the Equal Opportunity Office at (940) 565-2103. TDD access: (800) 735-2989.
The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s disability and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of individuals in its programs and activities.
The university provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities, as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institution’s academic and employment requirements. For information, call the Office of Disability Accommodation at (940) 565-4323, TDD access: (940) 565-2958 or (940) 369-8652; the Equal Opportunity Office at (940) 565-2103; or the Division of Equity and Diversity at (940) 565-2456. TDD access is available through Relay Texas: (800) 735-2989 or (940) 369-8652.
Date of initial release: July 1, 2006 — Copyright © 2006 University of North Texas
Page updated:
October 20, 2006
— Comments or corrections: catalog@unt.edu
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