Spring has been busy with enrollment up 6% thanks to how we've enhanced scholarship opportunities and a 39% increase in master's students choosing to study at UNT. We continue to rise as a public research university recently earning reaffirmation as a Tier One Research University in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education™ 2021 report. As one of only 141 universities nationwide classified as "Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity," we're among the most elite, top-tier institutions in the nation -- something of which we are tremendously proud.

UNT's long-held strengths in the arts and humanities were pivotal in helping us earn Tier One status in 2016, and in shaping the broader Denton community. As this issue's cover story "We Haven't Been Normal in Years" chronicles, Denton is an extraordinary place many alumni don't want to leave after earning their degrees. Our talented and caring Mean Green community makes significant contributions to the city's cultural, technological, environmental and economic vibrancy.

This issue also highlights the innovative ways many alumni are achieving success in careers with their liberal arts and social sciences degrees, and how students, faculty and staff are working to combat the effects of climate change in areas such as water conservation, wildlife conservation and renewable energy engineering.

With continued progress on our new UNT at Frisco location and growing partnerships in Collin County, UNT continues to cement its role as the University of North Texas.