Robert B. Toulouse, Provost Emeritus of UNT and longtime dean of the university's graduate school -- which was named in his honor -- died April 11, 2017. He was 98. Toulouse spent nearly 40 years at UNT as an educator and administrator and helped UNT build its stature and momentum as a public research university on the rise.

Working to provide underrepresented students with guidance and opportunities has been a top priority for Jean Keller, professor of kinesiology and health promotion.

This spring, I had the honor of attending my granddaughter Lauren's graduation ceremony at UNT, where she received her bachelor's degree in rehabilitation studies -- 66 years after I received my bachelor's in physical education from what was then North Texas State College. The campus has really grown, but the visit brought my own college days to mind.

If you told me in fall 2011 what would happen in the next four and a half years, I would have laughed, or cried, or both. I would have explained why you couldn't possibly be right. I would have told you it was my turn to have an easy life.