UNT Insider: President's newsletter

Full-Circle Moment
President Smatresk sat down with WFAA reporter and UNT alum Cynthia Izaguirre to talk about his time at UNT. Cynthia interviewed him on his first day on the job in 2014. Reflecting on a decade of work, he candidly discussed some of the triumphs and challenges through the years. You can also enjoy the full 24-minute interview, where he discusses Texas education, expands on the accomplishment that has made him the happiest and talks about the thing that surprised him the most. ICYMI: Read the president's announcement regarding his resignation.

Straight from Smatresk

Dear UNT supporter,

Wow, this year is flying by! We're well into the spring semester, and I hope our students are enjoying Spring Break this week. As the weather warms here in Texas, there is an air of excitement on campus and more and more outdoor activities are happening in Denton and Frisco. While the intense summer heat is looming, I know I'm enjoying this mild spring weather, by getting out and connecting with students, faculty, and staff. Speaking of outdoor events, I hope you're able to witness the April 8 solar eclipse! We're poised for 99% totality in Denton and 100% in Frisco — very exciting!

As I begin to transition from president to UNT faculty, I can't help but reminisce about some of the fond memories I've made over the past 10 years. I've heard from friends, students, colleagues, and partners, and I'm so grateful for all the kind words and the chance to reconnect with many of you. Your support has been vital for me, personally and professionally, and UNT's success is thanks to you. I know that this amazing university will continue to thrive and transform the lives of students and families.

Let's keep climbing and rising to meet the needs of our students so they can change the world for the better. I, along with UNT faculty and staff, remain committed to creating a welcoming, challenging university for all. We could not do so without your continued support.

UNT Proud,
Neal Smatresk
President
@UNTPrez

Windows Into the
Human Experience

Dr. Andrew Torget describes how technology, especially the mass digitization of resources, is changing history — or at least our view of it. As an example, Torget, an associate professor of history and noted Texas historian, points to the use of sentiment analysis to track the emotional tone of a famous figure's letters over time.

Watch this latest
episode of The Lab »

Bringing Joy
to UNT

Former United States Poet Laureate and renowned musician Joy Harjo visited UNT for a poetry reading, music performance, and Q&A session. Her visit was part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences' (CLASS) Acts Performing Arts series, a program that aims to give students opportunities to meet and learn from successful creatives. Harjo is a writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the first Native American named U.S. Poet Laureate."

Read more about
her visit »

New Regents

Two new members join the UNT System Board of Regents this year. Terri West is a retired senior vice president with Texas Instruments and past chair of the Mayborn School of Journalism Board of Advisors. Dr. Cathy Bryce, a retired investment banker and school superintendent, was a UNT adjunct and has chaired the UNT Foundation Board of Directors, the UNT Alumni Association and the College of Education Board of Advocates. She also co-founded the Diamond Eagles Society. Reappointed as a regent this year was Carlos Munguia, president of the Dallas Region for Amegy Bank and past chair of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business Advisory Board. All three are UNT alumni.

Union Celebration

This year marks a service milestone for Unions bringing students together at UNT. Campus clubhouses served in that unofficial role early in our history. Then a repurposed Army surplus center took over those duties and, on March 31, 1949, the permanent Memorial Student Union was dedicated (the ceremony in the Howdy Room is pictured left). Seventy-five years and several buildings later, the Union is still going strong.

Share your memories of
the Union on Facebook »

Everybody's Bolos

More than 30 bolo ties crafted by contemporary artists are on display in Everybody's Bolos through May 10 at the CVAD Gallery. The traveling exhibition examines the cultural history and significance of the bolo tie in marginalized communities, its expressive potential, and its relevance as a gender-neutral adornment. The exhibit stems from research Ana M. Lopez, professor of metalsmithing and jewelry, conducted as a UNT Institute for the Advancement of the Arts Faculty Fellow. She co-curated the exhibit with Brian Fleetwood, assistant professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and citizen of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, and Hannah Toussaint, an artist and UNT alum.

Watch a video about her research on bolo ties.

Mean Green Sports

It's not just the weather heating up in Texas! Our Mean Green Athletics are on fire! The UNT women's basketball team claimed a share of its first conference title since the 1985-86 season with a 78-66 victory over Memphis last week. The championship team received six AAC postseason awards, including Coach of the Year for Jason Burton. The UNT men's basketball team ended their regular season with a win and now head to the 2024 American Athletic Conference Championship in Fort Worth. In football news, the much anticipated 2024 season schedule was announced, and it's a good one! The Mean Green will play their first game Aug. 31 on the road against South Alabama and play their first conference game against Tulsa Sept. 28 at DATCU Stadium. Our UNT track and field team is setting and breaking records this season, too! In shot put, superstar KeAyla Dove earned Second Team All America honors in her third consecutive appearance at the NCAA Indoor Championships after recording the no. 5 throw in the nation last week, breaking her personal best and the American Athletic Conference record. Get your tickets and show all our teams your Mean Green spirit! Go Mean Green!

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Office of the President

University of North Texas
Hurley Administration Building, Room 201
Mailing Address:
1155 Union Circle #311425
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
940-565-2108

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