![David Pierce David Pierce](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/22-0125_david-pierce_2060_thumb.jpg)
Culture
We Haven't Been Normal in Years
Denton has long been awash in quirky charm, thanks in large part to UNT alumni.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
![Brenda-Barajas-Koch Brenda-Barajas-Koch](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-109_brenda-barajas-koch_ah0051_thumb.jpg?itok=LbXmvGOK)
Alumni Spotlight
Head of the Class
Alumni find many ways to use their degrees from UNT's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Written by: Erin Cristales, Brittney Dear and Danielle Zachariah
#College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, #Features, #2022 Spring
![Scott Bakula with 'Texas Penitentiary Team' athletes filming Necessary Roughness in 1991 Scott Bakula with 'Texas Penitentiary Team' athletes filming Necessary Roughness in 1991](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/necrough_prisonteam.jpg?itok=a3XRY1_S)
Online Extra
Necessary Roughness Turns 30
The film, released Sept. 27, 1991, had a starring role at UNT.
Written by: Kayla Lindberg
![Photo of Liz Miralrio](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/giving-impact_liz-miralrio_0.jpg?itok=96URJxM3)
Giving Impact
Help Students Soar as a Mean Green Mentor
Program connects alumni with students to provide invaluable advice.
#Alumni Life, #Alumni life, #UNT Alumni Association, #2022 Spring
![Zhiling Zhang and Xiaohu Xia at the Fort Worth Stock Yards in 2001. Zhiling Zhang and Xiaohu Xia at the Fort Worth Stock Yards in 2001.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/xiazhang.jpg?itok=WXM5NGYf)
Alumni Spotlight
A Strong Bond
As UNT doctoral students, couple unlocked the secret to success in science — and romance.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Biological Sciences, #Department of Chemistry, #Features, #Online Extras, #2022 Spring
![Texas Fashion Collection Texas Fashion Collection](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/delight-exhibition-62_banner.jpg?itok=p8geESWj)
Visual arts and design
Inspired Delight
The Texas Fashion Collection's newest exhibition shows off exquisite details.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Texas Fashion Collection, #Fashion, #Features, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2022 Spring
![Opal Lee Opal Lee](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/7-ms_banner.jpg?itok=dw7EY9Ux)
Alumni Spotlight
Miles to Go
Opal Lee's ('63 M.Ed.) tireless activism led to Juneteenth being designated a federal holiday.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Alumni Spotlight, #Features, #College of Education, #2022 Spring
![UNT cookie contestants UNT cookie contestants](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22_0236_best-of-the-nest0332_banner.jpg?itok=4UYvkymT)
![Robyn Brown Robyn Brown](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/robyn-brown_thumb.jpg?itok=Q3JKqV4f)
Alumni Spotlight
Reshaping the Future of Computer Engineering
Alum recognized for her nonprofit that mentors young coders.
Written by: Brittney Dear
#Department of Computer Science and Engineering, #College of Engineering, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![teapot teapot](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/perspective_teapot_thumb.jpg?itok=Gd3J5bdd)
Perspective
Telling a Story Through Metals
James Thurman, associate professor of art, uses functional objects to connect audiences.
#Art, #Visual Arts, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #Essays, #2022 Spring
![Lori McLain Lori McLain](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/lori-mclain_thumb.jpg?itok=_fMPytLV)
Online Extra
Soup's On!
UNT alum is now a world cooking champion.
Written by: Danielle Zachariah
#Online Extras, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![UNT dining UNT dining](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-0095_cris-williams_0017_banner.jpg?itok=6xLfVxMk)
A Taste of UNT
The Dish on Dining
UNT's Dining Services delivers some of the best food in the nation for every appetite.
![Kristen Barnhart Peers Kristen Barnhart Peers](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/kristen-peers-2_banner.jpg?itok=kNt32uu_)
Online Extra
From Doodles to Bookstores
CVAD graduate Kristen Barnhart Peers draws for the "Little People Big Dreams" children's book.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of Communication Studies, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![UNT President Neal Smatresk UNT President Neal Smatresk](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/neal_circle.png?itok=J4leZXBC)
From our president
Uniquely UNT
Historic strength in arts, humanities shapes Denton culture, Tier One prominence.
![Michelle Olomojobi Michelle Olomojobi](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/michelle-olomojobi_thumb.jpg?itok=gnBs-WMb)
Alumni Spotlight
Crafting a Creative Niche
Alumna's Nigerian roots inspire fashion and lifestyle brand recently backed by NAACP grant.
Written by: Heather Noel
![Neil Foote Neil Foote](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/upfirst_newsworthycareer_pleasecutout_thumb.jpg?itok=KnuOmeHH)
Brilliantly Green
A Newsworthy Career
UNT principal lecturer inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists’ Hall of Fame.
Written by: Brittney Dear
#UNT News, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2022 Spring
![Giovannie Cruz Giovannie Cruz](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/giovannie-cruz121855_thumb.jpg?itok=pQhTuMHl)
Alumni Spotlight
Living Life Off- Script
Vocal performance alumna finds her way as a Hollywood actress.
Written by: Brittney Dear
![UNT tours UNT tours](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/21-0700_college-tour_0085.jpg?itok=bch-51JX)
![Abe Martinez Abe Martinez](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/thechi_s2_ep207c_bts_0086_banner.jpg?itok=YjxUU09q)
Alumni Spotlight
Camera as Passport
Abe Martinez has earned a spot as cinematographer for some of TV's top shows.
#Television & Film, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of Radio, Television and Film, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![Expert Take - Animal Magnetism Expert Take - Animal Magnetism](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/ntxn-spring-2022-expert-take.jpg?itok=9GDKJ10E)
Expert Take
Animal Magnetism
UNT faculty and staff explore how animals play an important role in humans' lives.
![Michael W. Hankins Michael W. Hankins](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/michael-hankins_banner.jpg?itok=iD8syDKo)
Alumni Spotlight
Making History Soar
Michael W. Hankins ('07, '13 M.S.) brings alive the importance of aviation history.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of History, #College of Music, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![Research graphic Research graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/research-graphic.jpg?itok=DfVKqqmk)
Innovation
Research Roundup
From record productivity to breakthroughs, UNT's research enterprise has had a successful year.
![Midlake Midlake](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/midlake2_banner.jpg?itok=uR-1CU8o)
Alumni Spotlight
Making Great Art
Despite many changes, the band Midlake has always considered Denton home.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
![Information graphic Information graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/tier-one_thumb.jpg?itok=CGuwQoXZ)
Innovation
Tier One Once Again
UNT earns important designation for its "very high research activity."
![Lauren McMinn Clarke Lauren McMinn Clarke](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/laurenclarke_founder-1.jpg?itok=E4saRRXf)
Alumni Spotlight
From Concerto to Compost
Music alumna creates business to help the environment.
Written by: Danielle Zachariah
#Department of Geography and the Environment, #College of Music, #2022 Spring
![Photo of Tami and Chuck McIntire in 1981 trying on a graduation cap in their apartment](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/graduation_1981.jpg?itok=YRzkMqyD)
![Michael R. Williams Michael R. Williams](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/mrw-headshot_11_thumb.jpg?itok=fotooHaH)
New Appointments
Q&A: Michael R. Williams
The UNT System's new chancellor brings an entrepreneurial vision for the future.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![Pamela Padilla Pamela Padilla](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/innovation_newresearchleader_thumb.jpg?itok=fHlXbMxM)
New Appointments
New Research Leader Named
Pamela Padilla has been appointed vice president of research and innovation.
#Department of Biological Sciences, #UNT News, #College of Arts & Sciences, #2022 Spring
![Mashup Market interior Mashup Market interior](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/mashup-market_thumb.jpg?itok=1AU51CUj)
Health and Wellness
A Mashup of Goodness
Local business owner provides plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free foods for the UNT community.
Written by: Brittney Dear
#Department of Marketing & Logistics, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, #College of Music, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2022 Spring
![UNT basketball UNT basketball](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-0118_untbball_utep_3016_banner.jpg?itok=q-ATyWM1)
Mean Green
Mean Green - Hoop, There It Is
Men's and women's basketball teams both net spectacular seasons.
![Photo of monument with the words "University of North Texas" and flowers in front of it](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19_0250_unt_monument029_0.jpg?itok=w6Iq6_Ww)
Power of place
Innovative Space Funded
Texas legislative approves facility for faculty to conduct research.
![Buddy Buddy](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/buddy-lab_banner.jpg?itok=UxZzVoqw)
Campus Life
The Dogs of UNT
Who's a good dog? Meet the furry friends who keep our students safe and happy.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Department of Biological Sciences, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of Chemistry, #College of Science, #Features, #2022 Spring
![Sharon Barnhill and Nina Austin Sharon Barnhill and Nina Austin](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/sharon-barnhill_thumb.jpg?itok=PehFq3vm)
![Rhonda Christensen and Gerald Knezek Rhonda Christensen and Gerald Knezek](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-0152_christensen-and-knezek_0019.jpg?itok=tXsQhkZo)
Innovation
Simulated Classroom, Real Learning
Faculty use artificial intelligence to increase teacher efficacy and equity and diversity.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![Tiblets Abreha running](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/abrehas_running_.jpg?itok=6E0YgA0W)
Student spotlight
From Refugee to Student
UNT freshman overcomes time spent in refugee camp to find success.
Written by: Trista Moxley
![Elinor Lichtenberg Elinor Lichtenberg](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/environment-feature-21_0145_elinor-lichtenberg_0516_banner.jpg?itok=-ADDKxHU)
Research Feature
Protecting the Environment
UNT researchers are creating solutions to combat climate change.
Written by: Trista Moxley
![Photo of Nurre family members posed in their home, wearning plaid shirts](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/nest_legacy-family-nurre-related-unt-grads_0.jpg?itok=HQAMW7VH)
Legacy Families
Birds of a Feather
Family time is paramount for the Nurres.
Written by: Heather Noel
![Natalie Manning Natalie Manning](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/natalie-manning_banner.jpg?itok=lKwf_-xD)
Alumni Spotlight
A Historic Note
College of Music alumna to become first woman in Wells Cathedral Choir.
Written by: Heather Noel
![Business Leadership Building Business Leadership Building](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/21-0281_college-of-business-students_0380_banner.jpg?itok=7MzeY7RY)
Giving Impact
Creating New Career Center
Wilson Jones ('85) and his wife, Jane, donate $5M to create The Wilson Jones Career Center.
Written by: Amanda Yanowski
#G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #Social Impact, #2022 Spring
![Ari Brielle Ari Brielle](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/ari-brielle_thumb.jpg?itok=aYAEWpvT)
Alumni Spotlight
Labor of Care
Alumna Ari Brielle's portraits of Black women are drawing acclaim.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#College of Visual Arts and Design, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![John W. Richmond, Neal Smatresk and Pat Boone John W. Richmond, Neal Smatresk and Pat Boone](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-0284_medal-of-honor_0115_banner.jpg?itok=TdpDGqVj)
Alumni Spotlight
Remembering His Music Roots
Pat Boone still feels a "sense of homecoming" nearly 70 years after he first stepped on campus.
Written by: Heather Noel
![John W. Richmond, Pat Boone, David Hooten and Neal Smatresk John W. Richmond, Pat Boone, David Hooten and Neal Smatresk](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-0284_medal-of-honor_0101_banner.jpg?itok=KQbAu2Le)
Alumni Spotlight
Instrumental Work
David B. Hooten's talent on the trumpet has gained international fame.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
![Kimberly Garza Kimberly Garza](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/kimberly-garza_thumb.jpg?itok=CWzDyWil)
Alumni Spotlight
A Dream Now in Print
Kimberly Garza's hard work in UNT's creative writing program has paid off with the publication of...
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#College of Arts & Sciences, #Books, #Department of English, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring
![Odalis Alvarado Odalis Alvarado](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/22-0277_odalis-cecilia-alvarado_0005_banner2.jpg?itok=B-dgICrx)
Star Student
Access to Better Education
UNT student awarded grant to earn second master’s degree, work toward dream of global education.
Written by: Trista Moxley
#College of Health and Public Service, #Alumni Profiles, #2022 Spring