University of North Texas

When Tolkunbek Abdygulov, above right, wanted to advance his economic career to help his home country of the Kyrgyz Republic, he sought out UNT’s top-ranking Master of Public Administration degree program.

Since May 2014, Abdygulov has served as governor of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (Central Bank). He oversees the monetary policies and supervises the banking system of the developing nation, a former Soviet republic that borders western China.

“Working in government-level positions, you’re on the front line of all major economic policies, making everyday decisions that impact the lives of ordinary citizens,” he says. “And, thanks to UNT, I’m well prepared for this work.”

Abdygulov is one of many alumni who have made their mark on the international stage thanks to UNT’s diverse, welcoming environment and global learning opportunities. They are profiled in the winter 2014 issue of The North Texan, the university’s 220,000-circulation quarterly alumni magazine.

The story also features:

• Dominic Murer, a project information manager for a nongovernmental organization in Sierra Leone who has helped residents during the recent Ebola outbreak
• April Scarrow, who has traveled all over the world as a foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State
• Pradit Wanarat, who holds a major stake in shaping Thailand’s education system and society as president of the National Institute of Development Administration in Bangkok
• Petronel Malan, a Grammy-nominated concert pianist who frequently tours and offers master classes to residents in her native South Africa

The winter edition of The North Texan also includes articles, photos and links to videos on other topics:

• Learn about the Folk Music Club, a student organization in the 1960s whose members — including Steve Fromholz, Michael Martin Murphey and Eddie Wilson — blazed trails in the Texas and country music scene.
• Meet alumnus Brian D. Sweany, whose English class at UNT inspired him to take a different direction in his career, paving the way for him to become editor of Texas Monthly, one of the nation’s most prestigious magazines.
• Learn more about the UNT Alumni Association and how to join.

—Jessica DeLeòn, University Relations, Communications and Marketing

(Above, Tolkunbek Abdygulov, right, shakes hands with the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.)