From the President's Desk
On February 22-23, we hosted the University of North Texas System Board of Regents for their quarterly, 2-day meeting and I’m proud to say our students made a huge impression on the board and helped articulate – in a very powerful way – why this university is so special.
As the host university, I was asked to make opening remarks and I could think of no better way than to introduce a diverse cross-section of our student body to the board. What better way to learn about what’s happening at UNT Dallas than to talk to our students?
The student panel of (pictured above, left to right) Alejandra Villanueva , Zainab Hameed, Ashley Wright, George McDonald, and Erran Mays dazzled our board with their insights and personal stories. The next day SGA President Erick Solis and graduate student Dean Boyd further impressed our board during presentations regarding the future of UNT Dallas. I was so proud to see our students shine on this stage – just as they do on campus each and every day.
Other highlights from the month included a wonderful debut event with the Ashoka Changemakers (highlighted below) that will result in a future partnership, as well as the grand opening of our on-campus coffee shop that proudly pours Starbucks products, exclusively. And finally, the search for our next UNT Dallas College of Law Dean is down to three finalists — look for an announcement later this spring.
UNT Dallas continues to grow exponentially, and there are so many ways that our students get involved that are really making an impact. I am continually impressed by the variety of talents, contributions to our communities and vitality that comes from this growing university full of Trailblazers.
February News & Campus Updates |
Our campus culture continues to develop and evolve with all of the exciting possibilities, intellectual curiosity and diversity among our students and faculty, and on Feb. 6 we had a productive Best Places to Work Town Hall as a conversation starter that included UNT Chancellor Lesa Rowe and Regent Laura Wright as our guests. We are preparing for a larger audience on March 6. The conversation has already been extremely productive, and I encourage everyone to get involved and bring their perspectives to this important process. Notable: We sent a delegation to Tarrant College Community College’s Southeast campus recently, to continue to strengthen relationships and build connections with their students. Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax spoke on campus on Jan. 25 to a large turnout of community leaders, many of whom had never been to UNT Dallas. It was an opportunity for President Mong to tell our story…The Inland Port Symposium will be held on campus, March 9. County Commissioner John Wiley Price and City Council Member Tennell Atkins will be joined by business leaders, developers and community leaders in a conversation on how to solve transportation challenges and getting people to work at the many huge warehouses along I-20 and I-45 near campus…The Texas Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals met on our campus on Jan. 29. Our campus continues to host important groups and elevate its exposure regionally…This spring, Dr. Monica Williams is organizing a Women’s Leadership Summit, which will bring together 50 high-potential minority women with 50 mentors for a day of training and fellowship…Nearly 50 of our supply chain & logistics students were given a rare treat recently – a tour of one of the massive Amazon shipping centers here in North Texas. Lecturer Jeffrey Wendt helped organize the evening trip.
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"Standing in Your Truth" the Theme of Women's Forum on Campus |
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1 Million Changemakers Summit Ignites Powerful Conversations |
The Emerging Teacher Institute co-hosted the “1Million Changemakers: Changemaking from the Inside-Out” event recently at the Trinity Audubon Center. With the help of one of the world’s most prominent social venture and entrepreneurship firms, the Ashoka Changemakers, the event brought educators together from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a day of powerful leadership enhancement. |
Cops & Coffee Event Gives Students Chance to Meet Campus Police |
An opportunity to continue to bridge the gap between the campus police department and student body, graduate student Dean Boyd III hosted the “Cops & Coffee” event recently. In a casual atmosphere, it allowed students and officers to touch on a number of topics and make sure everyone was on the same page in regards to safety and understanding.
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Roberson a Shining Example of Leadership in Academics |
A product of Dallas, Texas, by way of Oak Cliff, Marcus Roberson is a shining example to young people from his neighborhood as the Assistant Director of Leadership Development & Multicultural Programs. Roberson started working at UNT Dallas in 2013, beginning in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Two years later, he was promoted to his current position in the Office of Student Affairs. |
Black History Mobile Museum Has Insightful Visit to Campus |
In conjunction with the Office of Student Affairs, The Black History 101 Mobile Museum recently made its way to campus to give visitors a deeper look into black culture. Throughout its nearly 30 years of existence, museum founder Khalid el-Hakim, a former social studies teacher by way of Detroit, Mich., travels the country displaying over 7,000 intriguing black history items. Some of its most interesting artifacts include memorabilia dating from the transatlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture. |
LinkedIn Workshop Shares a Wealth of Knowledge with Students |
Director of Career Services Arthur Lumzy hosted a LinkedIn & Career Planning Workshop recently for students aiming to build the perfect professional network. He also tutored students on using the social network to conduct research on companies as well as search for job opportunities. |
Jag Fest Opened World of Campus Opportunities to Students |
The Spring semester kicked off with JAG Fest, featuring a host of student-led organizations promoting their initiatives and goals to help enhance the UNT Dallas college experience. Each student organization had a table and representatives for students to visit and learn more about their organization. |
Nation's Largest Honor Society Has Orientation on Campus |
The National Society of Leadership and Success wrapped up its orientation at the start of the Spring semester. It’s the nation’s largest honor society, and it gives members the opportunity to build leadership skills through a variety of programs. The NSLS has 832,591 members at 604 colleges nationwide. The Society encourages community action, volunteerism, personal growth and strong leadership from its chapters and members.
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