University of North Texas

Phil McGraw better known as Dr. Phil, right, a psychologist, television personality, author and alumnus, will return to campus May 13 to speak at the 3 p.m. commencement for master’s degree and doctoral degree graduates.

 What is McGraw is famous for?

 A. His moustache.

 B. His Get Real approach to life.

 C. His television debut on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

 D. All of the above.

The answer is D: all of the above. McGraw's moustache, and his no-nonsense, get-real problem-solving advice resonates with viewers of all age and gender.

In 1998, he made his first appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, where his popularity led to the nationally syndicated talk show, Dr. Phil.

McGraw earned a master's degree in experimental psychology in 1976 and a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1979.

The self-help expert lives up to his own advice: “I’ve always had a philosophy - since the day I walked out that door - to market my education in a non-traditional way. I didn’t want to be a face in the crowd."

McGraw studied with G. Frank Lawlis, who earned bachelor's and master’s degrees from UNT, and became McGraw’s mentor. Lawlis is now an advisor to the Dr. Phil show and has made several appearances. McGraw received UNT's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2006. Lawlis received a President’s Citation Award in 2008 from the UNT Alumni Association.   

• Watch commencement online, at 3 p.m. in the Coliseum.
• Learn more about Dr. Phil in The North Texan alumni magazine.
• Enter to win a UNT T-shirt. Send an email to InHouse with “Dr. Phil” in the subject line by 5 p.m. May 13. Winners will be selected at random from all responses.

The master’s and doctoral commencement ceremony kicks off a weekend of ceremonies. Undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be:

• 7 pm. May 13 for the College of Education, College of Business and College of Information
• 9 a.m. May 14 for the College of Arts and Sciences
• 1 p.m. May 14 for the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and the College of Engineering
• 5 p.m. May 14 for Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management, College of Music and College of Visual Arts and Design.

The ceremonies will honor the achievements of almost 4,000 students. This spring, about 3,210 undergraduate students, 702 master’s students and 82 doctoral candidates applied for graduation.

A reception for candidates and their guests will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 13 and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14 in the Gateway Center, Ballroom.