From the President's Desk
I love UNT Dallas commencement ceremonies. More than 70 percent of our students are first-generation college students, and earning a degree is reason for our graduates and their loved ones to celebrate.
The amount of excitement, joy, pride, and optimism in the room at IBOC during graduation is palpable. Our mission – to empower students, transform lives and strengthen communities – is encapsulated in the ceremony that turns our students into alumni as they walk across the stage and accept their hard-earned diplomas.
I’m proud of our students. Graduates of other universities finish college and then enter the so-called “real world.” UNT Dallas students, however, already live in the real world when they start college – typically working full or part-time while pursuing their degree.
Our students are the reason we are the fastest-growing 4-year university in Dallas-Fort Worth and our graduates are already helping to change Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and the world. On the strength of our students and faculty, UNT Dallas is gaining academic prestige – the class of 2018 offers proof, as we’ve had several bachelor’s graduates accepted into prestigious graduate schools, including medical school and an Ivy League university.
Congratulations to all of our graduates – you truly are trailblazers and have placed yourself on a pathway to social mobility.
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#UNTD News & Campus Updates |
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CFO Search Update– The university community recently had the opportunity to meet with four promising candidates for the Chief Financial Officer position. The search committee plans to announce the final candidate in early June. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Hosts Annual Youth Crime Summit – Approximately 100 students and educators attended the Summit, which included panel discussions with local law enforcement officials and other community leaders. Lincoln Collegiate Academy Signing Day May 26 – Lincoln Collegiate Academy recently welcomed 108 incoming freshmen and their families to the Lincoln B-Tech Family. Remarks were provided by President Bob Mong, Dr. Karen Shumway, Nakia Douglas, Lincoln High School Principal, Johnna Weaver, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Initiatives & External Relations for Dallas ISD, Usamah Rodgers, and Program Services Coordinator of El Centro West Campus, Kendra Harrison. NEW POLICY: Flexible Work Arrangements – At UNT Dallas, we believe that work is what you do, not necessarily where you go each day. In support of that philosophy, UNT Dallas is promoting Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA). This was one of Chancellor Roe’s first initiatives as chancellor, and we are proud to support her efforts to make it a reality. Flexible Work Arrangements require significant communication and collaboration between you and your supervisor. The official policy and forms are available online at www.untsystem.edu/FWA, as well as links to required training and tips to implement FWA well going forward. The first training sessions are scheduled for Thursday, May 31 at the UNTD main campus, and on Wednesday, June 5 at the College of Law. Email Paula.Bearden@untsystem.edu for more information and to register for a session. Sunset Collegiate Academy Inaugural Conference-Sunset Collegiate Academy held their first annual conference for their current students on our campus. UNT Dallas Library Services, Learning Commons, and Student Affairs also provided workshops on how to access library services, how to get involved with student organizations on camps, and how to study effectively. Courtyard Construction – Demolition of the courtyard between Building I and Founders Hall is about to get underway, causing a slight re-routing for faculty, staff, students and visitors entering either building. Benefits Enrollment Coming Soon –Blue Cross Blue Shield will continue to be the insurance provider for UNT Dallas for the 2018-2019 academic year. Annual enrollment for the BCBS plan and other coverage options will be available from July 9-July 21. More information regarding annual enrollment is forthcoming. If you have additional benefit questions, please email hrbenefits@untsystem.edu or call 817-735-7650 (option 2). Strategic Planning Meeting in July – Our first strategic planning meeting will take place the afternoon of July 9, and during the day of July 10. Students, faculty, community members will be invited, as will Rosemary Haggett, the UNT System Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Student Success. Staff Development Day June 1 – Staff Council will host Professional Development Day Friday, June 1. This year will focus on employee engagement as it relates to the university's mission of empowering students, transforming lives, and strengthening communities. For more information, email Shaniece.Miller@untdallas.edu. Holistic Enrollment Committee Update – Our Holistic Enrollment Committee met for the first time under the direction of new committee chair Dr. Aaron Bartula. Dr. Jamaica Chapple will serve as a co-chair for the committee.
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Dallas County Promise Initiative Officially Launches |
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The University of North Texas at Dallas, along with the Dallas County Community College District, Southern Methodist University, and the Dallas Independent School District, witnessed the official launch of the Dallas County Promise (DCP) initiative on Wednesday, May 2, during national #CollegeSigningDay at W.H. Adamson High School. |
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UNT Dallas, Verizon Foundation Launches Emerging Teacher Institute STEM Fellows Program |
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The University of North Texas at Dallas, in conjunction with the Verizon Foundation, officially launched the Emerging Teacher Institute Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Fellows program Tuesday, May 24. Ten high school seniors were competitively selected to participate in the program from The School for Talented and Gifted at Townview Magnet School and Bishop Dunn High School. |
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Jag Awards Ceremony Highlight Successful Year for UNT Dallas Students and Staff |
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For only the second time in school history, the University of North Texas at Dallas hosted the “Jag Awards” event for students, staff and faculty to be recognized for their wonderful contributions in making UNT Dallas one of the top emerging institutions in the nation. WATCH @ UNTD TV: Jag Awards Ceremony Highlight Successful Year for UNT Dallas Students and Staff |
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Lizbeth Morales Recently Selected as a Newman Civic Fellow |
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University of North Texas at Dallas junior Lizbeth Morales was recently selected as a Newman Civic Fellow, joining Karina 'Judith' Ortega as the only UNT Dallas students to have accomplished this feat. |
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Jaime Resendez, Esteemed Alumnus and U.S. Army Veteran, Delivered Keynote for UNT Dallas Commencement |
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The University of North Texas at Dallas brought one of its own back to serve as keynote speaker for its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 18 – Jaime Resendez, a U.S. Army combat veteran, UNT Dallas alumnus and elected member of the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees. |
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Alejandra Villanueva Becomes the First UNT Dallas Grad to Attend an Ivy League School |
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The University of North Texas at Dallas features some of the best and brightest students and educators in the nation today. To support this adage, graduating senior Alejandra Villanueva became the first student in university history to be accepted by an Ivy League institution, as she will attend Columbia University to pursue a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. WATCH @UNTD TV: Alejandra Villanueva Becomes the First UNT Dallas Grad to Attend an Ivy League School |
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UNT Dallas Awards Ten Charles Butt Scholarships to Aspiring Teachers |
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The Emerging Teacher Institute at University of North Texas at Dallas, in partnership with The Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation, awarded 10 Charles Butt Scholarships for Aspiring Teachers May 23. The students are among the Foundation’s 100 inaugural scholarship recipients. More: UNT Dallas Awards Ten Charles Butt Scholarships to Aspiring Teachers |
