James R. Wood (’79 Ed.D.), McKinney :: He was a teacher, coach and principal in Oklahoma before moving to the Irving ISD. After earning his doctorate, he served as a superintendent in Brownsboro and Laredo and in Many, La. He retired in 1997 and moved to McKinney.

Shelley Posey Marsh (’80 M.Ed.), Fort Worth :: She was an elementary teacher and special education diagnostician at the Mansfield ISD for more than 20 years before retiring. Her husband was a pastor, and she taught English as a second language classes and led mission efforts in her church.

George G. Danielson, Dallas :: He was an audio-lighting designer working in Dallas. He attended North Texas from 1975 to 1981 and was a drama major who spent his time behind the scenes in set design and production, except for an unexpected role as King Lear.

Rodney Williams, Dallas :: He attended North Texas from 1981 to 1982, playing football as a starting nose guard. He was employed at Angelica Textiles and had worked for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Patricia Marie Bell (’90, ’94 M.Ed.), Denton :: She was a licensed professional counselor for AIDS Services of North Texas, which her family says was her passion. Her daughter and son-in-law, Jonith (’05) and Mark Wilkinson (’04), also are graduates of UNT. 

Gregory Blake Gunnarson (’90), Dallas :: He served two years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. At UNT, he earned his degree in communication studies with a minor in business administration. He was an associate manager with Walmart Corp. and previously had been a general manager with Luby’s Cafeteria for a number of years.

Kevin Eugene Wheeler (’96, ’03 M.A.), Dallas :: He was an instructor in the English and aquatics departments at Richland College. His family says he was fulfilling his dream to make a difference through teaching.

Joseph Benjamin Thompson (’37), Bentonville, Ark. :: He was a pharmacist’s mate in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He owned a Western Auto Store and Thompson’s Auto Supplies in Helena, Ark., for many years. As a North Texas student, he studied chemistry and economics and worked at J.C. Penney.

Margaret Nicholson Fry (’40), Arlington :: After receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology, she earned a master of science in bacteriology from Texas Tech University. She was a biology teacher, retiring from the Arlington ISD.

Garland Matthews (’42), Pecos :: At North Texas, he was an All Conference tackle on the football team. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and coached football in Corsicana and Pecos. He retired from the Pecos ISD as principal in 1981 and ranched until 2001.