V. Lane Rawlins

Dear Alum,

I'm proud to share that UNT is making great strides as a growing public research university, which reinforces our commitment to offer our students an educational experience that rivals the nation's top research universities.

To get to this important juncture, we've made significant investments in faculty and infrastructure that have helped us attract world-renowned researchers and led to a steady increase in competitive funding despite the economic downturn. Read below about our two newest research faculty members.

UNT had about $44 million in federally reported research expenditures during fiscal year 2012, which ended in August. We hope to see our research funding continue to grow because it's one of many important ways we measure our progress as a research institution.

We're also making steady progress because of our collaborative research clusters. They are attracting prospective faculty and talented students who want to conduct research alongside and learn from our faculty experts in a variety of fields, from plant sciences to renewable energy technologies. And we're providing first-class facilities, such as our new Zero Energy Research Laboratory, for innovative research and scholarship.

As we continue to build on our national reputation as a research institution, we will ensure that our graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to stand out in their fields.

Our goal at UNT is to provide our students with an education that challenges and inspires them to be the best in their fields and that sustains them throughout their life. I know from experience that the kind of faculty we have and the environment we provide directly impact the quality of our students’ education and their future.

Sincerely,
V. Lane Rawlins
President

Features

Jim Williams

Richard Dixon 

Moving Forward: Two new National Academy researchers bring innovation, expertise to UNT

UNT is meeting its bold goal to offer superior graduate education and research by attracting world-renowned researchers. I am proud to welcome Jim Williams, a leading authority on titanium alloys and a National Academy of Engineering member, who joined us as a distinguished research professor of materials science and engineering. He is the second National Academy of Engineering member to join UNT. In February, we will welcome Richard Dixon, a world-renowned plant researcher and National Academy of Science member, as a distinguished research professor of biological sciences and member of the Signaling Mechanisms in Plants research cluster. In addition to bringing millions in research grants, Dr. Dixon will move his major research program and a core team from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation to UNT.

New alumni billboards show UNT is highway to success

New billboards around the Dallas-Fort Worth area showcase some of UNT's successful alumni, and they're reminding the public why UNT is "A green light greatness." I hope you've noticed our featured success stories such as Aida Wondwessen, an Honors College graduate who is now an attorney with Littler Mendelson, and Benjamin Olsson, a pediatric critical care physician at Medical City Children’s Hospital. We're proud that UNT is a place where students can achieve their dreams.

Bob Bland

Faculty Focus: Bob Bland

At UNT, we've long recognized the great work and service of Bob Bland, professor and chair of the Department of Public Administration. For 30 years, he has had a distinguished career in teaching, research and public service, and it brings me great pride that his work is receiving national recognition. Dr. Bland recently was elected a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a nonprofit organization of politicians and educators who provide expert advice to Congress and federal agencies. For his dedicated service, Dr. Bland also has earned the Terrell Blodgett Academician Award from the Texas City Management Association and the Stephen B. Sweeney Academic Award from the International City/County Management Association.

Traditions: UAEM and UNT partnership, 10 years and counting

During the last 10 years, UNT has built a strong legacy with the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico through research, education and faculty collaborations. We are celebrating a partnership that today supports cutting-edge research projects between UNT and UAEM faculty and student researchers, as well as a study abroad program, scholarship program and a summer institute for UAEM faculty and students to learn English as a second language. UNT's reach as a growing public research university stems from partnerships such as the one with UAEM that help to create, leverage and disseminate knowledge.

Featured Link: Portal to Texas History

Jump back in time through the Portal to Texas History, UNT's digital gateway to Texas history for students, faculty, alumni and the public. Since 2002, the portal's users and collections of materials have swelled to include people and partners from around the globe. Watch our new video featuring the portal's role as a Texas history repository and its evolution through the years, fostered by valuable public and private support. Preserving Texas history for all to experience and learn from is one way UNT is enriching lives and communities.

UNT Alumni Association

The UNT Alumni Association's board of directors recently appointed 13 new members who will help govern the organization, as well as oversee its fundraising efforts. The association accepts nominations annually for new board members, who serve a three-year term. A nominating committee makes the final selections of those who will be voted on by the current board of directors. Learn more by visiting UNTalumni.com or contact the association at alumni@unt.edu, 940-565-2834 or 800-UNT-1153.