Many members of Mean Green Nation have landed in the media recently, including a retirement announcement from UNT System Chancellor Lesa Roe. UNT has made tremendous strides under Chancellor Roe's leadership and we are thankful for the ways she has helped us thrive. She is an expert collaborator who excels at pulling the right people into the room to build consensus. We will miss her! Be sure to check out these other media hits from our faculty experts and alumni, which will make you proud:

• An expert on textile recycling and sustainability, College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism Dean Jana Hawley discussed with Popular Science the reasons why clothing items often land in the dump, rather than a recycling facility. Geographic location and a lack of recycling infrastructure often play a part, she says.
• In light of current political discussions about critical race theory and its place in public school education, Associate Professor of Communication Studies Dr. Suzanne Enck spoke with WFAA, and History Lecturer Dr. Kerry Goldmann's conversation with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram was picked up by Yahoo! News. Dr. Goldmann also was featured in a Scripps story that was picked up by Scripps-owned TV stations and media websites around the country.
• Dr. Nat Pope, associate professor of risk management and insurance, shared with The New York Times why extended car warranties are a worthless investment for most vehicle owners. 
• The Dallas Morning News showcased Urban Site Selection, a digital tool to identify low-income communities where supermarkets are needed. The tool was developed in collaboration with Dr. Chetan Tiwari, an associate professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment.
• Associate Professor of History Dr. Andrew Torget discussed the growing observation of Juneteenth with USA Today.
• Dr. Trent Petrie, professor and director of the Center for Sports Psychology, was quoted in an article by the Associated Press discussing the mental health concerns of athletes.
• The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area took center stage as NBC5 covered the hard work of students, staff, and volunteers who are clearing out encroaching trees in an effort to restore prairie grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife at the 2,600-acre nature preserve thanks to a $17,000 grant from the Anita Berry Martin Memorial Fund at the North Texas Community Foundation, UNT, and Friends of LLELA.
• The Denton Record-Chronicle reported my appointment as chair of the Conference USA Board of Governors where I enjoy supporting the league and its student-athletes. I also am excited by my recent appointment to the NCAA Board of Governors.
• This delicious story from Spectrum News covers some of the hard-working people and creative ideas making our Dining Services shine. Executive Director Peter Balabuch ('97) guides the tour featuring our hydroponic garden, Clark Bakery, and Union dining.
• Alum Kirk Tatom ('94) — the guitarist and backing vocalist for the band Deep Blue Something, best known for its 1995 hit "Breakfast at Tiffany's" — was recently featured in the MPA (Mortgage Professional America) magazine. As president of Dallas-based Tatom Lending, Kirk says both the music and mortgage industries require the same energy and passion.

Great professors can serve as guiding lights — teachers whose passion, dedication, and support help students see what's possible and set them on a path to making the world a better place. Each UNT faculty member possesses unique characteristics that help them develop authentic, memorable connections with our students. The latest episode of UNT Pod highlights eight "North Stars" among the faculty who students and alumni recognized for illuminating the way to a brighter future. Honored faculty include Dr. Kimi King from the Department of Political Science, Paho Mann from the Department of Studio Art, Dr. Katsura Aoyama from the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Dr. Christopher Fuhrmann from the Department of History, Brittany McElroy from the Mayborn School of Journalism, Dr. John Quintanilla, pictured, from the Department of Math, Dr. Angie Cartwright from the Department of Counseling and Higher Education, and Dr. Rick Reidy from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Don't miss this podcast episode to hear from our eight "North Stars," as well as the students and alumni who nominated them for recognition.