Alumni

Kristi Hodgkiss

Kristi Hodgkiss (’90), Paris. Known as “Lady H,” she was a public educator for over 30 years, coaching countless UIL State Policy Debate champions, UIL Congress champions and UIL speech champions, and received multiple state and national coaching recognition awards. She taught at North Lamar High School, where she turned the speech and debate team into a nationally ranked program. She transitioned from teaching to public relations, becoming director of public relations for North Lamar ISD. In her free time, she avidly read true crime books, maintained her family’s ranch and spent time with her family.

Clarence Ray “C.R.” Pennington

Clarence Ray “C.R.” Pennington (’59), Salado, was a lifelong entrepreneur, working as a claims adjuster, clothing salesman and clothing manufacturer. He also owned 18 retail clothing stores. In 1982, C.R. and his wife Joyce (’72) purchased the American Dance/Drill Team. They established The Joyce and C.R. Pennington Dance Education Scholarship, which provides scholarships for dance students seeking teacher certification. He was a member of the President’s Council. He also belonged to Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and served in the Air Force Reserve.

Anne Hodges Morgan

Photo of Anne Hodges Morgan in 1962 debate showAnne Hodges Morgan (’62), Norman, Oklahoma. Anne was an acclaimed historian and author who gained national recognition as a student at UNT when she and John Swaney (’63) won an international debate competition that was televised on NBC. She impressed her audience so much that one of the debate’s TV producers arranged a scholarship for her to pursue her master’s degree at Columbia University in New York City. After earning her master’s, the Houston native went to Washington, D.C., with the intention of becoming a diplomat, but her experience there as a congressional researcher in the Library of Congress led her to the position of legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. John G. Tower of Texas. She then earned her Ph.D. in American history in 1971 from the University of Texas at Austin, where she met her husband of 42 years, H. Wayne Morgan. Anne and Wayne, a history professor at the University of Oklahoma, enjoyed collecting art and hosting friends at their home, and they co-wrote numerous books together.

Anne went on to become the vice president for project development for the Kerr Foundation in Oklahoma City and then worked as a consultant to family foundations, trusts and nonprofits throughout the country. She also served as a trustee to many large foundations, such as the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Anne was known for her spirited sense of humor and her ability to bring people together. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Hodges Gamal, who attended North Texas in the 1950s.

James ‘Jim’ Franklin McDonald Jr.

James ‘Jim’ Franklin McDonald Jr. (’60), Duncanville. His service in the U.S. Army Reserves in the 1960s included active duty in the 49th Armored Division. A business administration major, he worked for First National Bank and started State Farm Agency in Duncanville, which he ran from 1965 to 2022. He and his wife of 60 years, Claudia, were active members of the Chilton Society and together established The Jim McDonald Endowment Fund in memory of Professor C.L. Littlefield to support UNT’s Department of Management. They also supported many other initiatives in the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, donated to UNT Dallas and gave the lead gift for The Oscar N. Garcia Merit Endowment for College of Engineering students. James served as an advisory committee member who helped found UNT at Dallas’ Innovation Center in Lancaster. He received UNT’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.

JoAnna Irvin Pruitt

JoAnna Irvin Pruitt (’55, ’59 M.Ed.), Alvarado. For over three decades, she taught and was a longtime counselor in Hurst-Euless-Bedford and Arlington ISDs. JoAnna was active in Alpha Phi, Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi. She was a lifetime member of the UNT Alumni Association. She was married to Dr. Sid Pruitt (’57, ’83 Ed.D.) for 65 years.

Dr. Jack P. Russell

Dr. Jack P. Russell (’83 Ph.D.), Bossier City, Louisiana. As a professor at Tarleton State University from 1982 to 1999 and Northwestern State University from 1999 to 2015, he was a leader in the development of computer information systems, receiving many awards for teaching. He was a military engineer specialist in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed carpentry, gardening and grilling.

Ronald Lloyd Stephens

Ronald Lloyd Stephens (’65), Edmond, Oklahoma. While at North Texas, he enjoyed being a member of Theta Chi fraternity. He was in the insurance business for 35 years and after retirement, a realtor. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Suzanne Nance Stephens (’66), whom he met at Voertman’s bookstore.

Mary Henderson Williams

Mary Henderson Williams (’57, ’60), Denton. Mary taught elementary school in Austin and Denton. She volunteered for her church, Delta Gamma sorority, Good Samaritan Village and Denton Christian Preschool, where she also taught. She loved to travel and spend time at her cabin in Colorado.

Danny B. Whitehead

Danny B. Whitehead (’73), Sebastopol, California. He served as a pastor for United Methodist churches in Kentucky and Texas and as a hospital chaplain in Texas and California. He enjoyed skiing, flying and golfing and was active in numerous organizations.

Floyd Edward Beckel

Floyd Edward Beckel (’77), Dallas. While at North Texas, he served his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, as treasurer and president. A marketing major, he ran an independent jewelry business, Jewelry by Floyd, in Dallas for most of his adult life.

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