Picture this: a bright-eyed custodian with a 9th-grade education, hailing from sunny Mexico, stepping into the vibrant halls of the University of North Texas. Yep, that was me! When I first arrived at UNT, my main goal was simple: secure a good job and help my family have a better life. Little did I know that this place would become the launchpad for things I never even dreamed of and a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences.

As I scrubbed floors and tidied up classrooms, I began to notice something remarkable. Education was more than just a fancy piece of paper -- it was the key to a brighter future! I gathered the courage to tackle the GED and guess what? I passed!

As I learned about the faculty-staff scholarship opportunity, it became the spark that ignited my determination. I began my undergraduate journey in 2003. Eight years and a whole lot of late nights later, I stood proudly as an Honors Scholar, holding a B.B.A. in Human Resources with a minor in Spanish. Talk about a transformation!

Throughout those whirlwind years, I worked at UNT's geography department -- my second family. They cheered me on, supported my dreams and lifted my spirits whenever I felt like giving up.

Once I completed my degree, I had an epiphany: My true passion was working with students. I decided to pursue a master's degree in higher education.

Fast forward to today: I'm celebrating nearly 24 years at UNT. From custodian to various advising roles and now proudly serving as the student and program director of the Toulouse Graduate School, my journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. And it all started here at UNT, a place that offered flexibility, benefits and a nurturing environment that helped me tap into potential I never knew I had.

Eva Ruiz-DuVall ('16 M.Ed.)
Denton