Debbie and I hosted an informal get-together with some of the university's 55 National Merit Finalists earlier this semester.

They always inspire me with their talents, professional goals and dreams for the future.

With our location in the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant economies, we will continue to equip the next generation of professionals and leaders -- and keep our students' needs top of mind. We've been expanding our online and on-campus classes in Frisco and Denton and offering more options for summer, eight-week and 16-week courses. Significant increases in spring enrollment over last year -- up 16.6 percent for online classes and 72 percent at UNT's New College at Frisco -- indicate our efforts are working.

As part of our goal to best prepare students for the increasingly digital future, we're introducing new innovative degree programs such as the nation's first in consumer experience management, which you can read about in this issue.

You'll also read about exceptional alumni and faculty. Our "Cancer Fighters" include UNT researcher Sreekar Marpu ('11 Ph.D.), who is creating sensors that can more easily distinguish deadly cancer cells and developing nanomaterials to destroy them. Look at some of our research highlights and our state-of-the-art facilities, including the Materials Research Facility where researchers from UNT, industry and other universities have open access to conduct materials analysis.

UNT is soaring higher to achieve excellence, and with the support of family members like you, we are able to become a stronger university for the students of today and tomorrow.

UNT Proud,

Neal Smatresk
President