Dear Alum,
We have set our sights on becoming a nationally prominent public research university and, in order to achieve that goal, we're putting our innovative, interdisciplinary research to work.
 I'm excited to share that we've launched four Institutes of Research Excellence that will help us on our journey and capitalize on our strengths. Tom McCoy, vice president for research and economic development, is leading this new endeavor, and I joined him at the Oct. 15 launch event (left) naming the new institutes as the:
The new institutes are a catalyst for us to increase our reach and impact, establish more industry partnerships and create solutions that benefit the greater good. I encourage you to read more about the institutes and their missions.
 We've chosen four of our top researchers -- Terrance Pohlen, associate professor of logistics, Richard Dixon, Distinguished Research Professor of biology, Samuel Atkinson, Regents Professor of biology, and Rajiv Mishra, Distinguished Research Professor of materials science and engineering (pictured from left with Dr. McCoy, second from left) -- to lead each of the new institutes in their field of expertise. With their leadership and knowledge, the institutes will become a hub for faculty collaborations in areas such as water and environment, next-generation structural materials, logistics, and plant sciences and bio-based products. This innovative approach will better enable our faculty and student researchers to make new impacts in their fields, to be more competitive as they seek federal funding and to be go-to resources for public and private partnerships.
I'm proud of this exciting new step forward for UNT and the transformation it means for our research enterprise. We're poised now more than ever to be collaborative, entrepreneurial and competitive, and to go farther.
UNT Proud,
Neal Smatresk
President
 @UNTPrez |
