Thomas McCoy, former vice president for research, creativity and technology transfer at Montana State University, has been named UNT's new vice president for research and economic development. McCoy joined UNT this summer.

McCoy is helping UNT build on its efforts to achieve Tier One research university status and ensure the continued attraction of research funding and top faculty and student researchers. He also is carrying out UNT's bold vision for research and economic development. UNT chose McCoy for his background as a distinguished plant scientist, his leadership in helping Montana State University become a top research institution, and his experience in assisting economic development in areas including optics, biotechnology and information technology.