University of North Texas 
2026 Spring
Cover Story
UNT's five-year strategic plan creates enduring value for students and the North
Texas region.
Research
Thanks to UNT's vast resources, students are building skills for their careers
and society
Alumni Spotlight
Allison Ellsworth ('09) turned a homemade beverage into the billion-dollar company
poppi.
Alumni Spotlight
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, alumni reflect on its landmarks
and the milestones that made the country.
As the Green Jackets and Talons both celebrate their 100th anniversaries this
year, alumni remember how the organizations shaped UNT -- and their lives.
Alumni Profiles
Madison Humphrey ('21) is a shining star moving onto the main stage.
Alumni Spotlight
UNT Alumni Association unveils statue that shows off campus traditions.
Alumni Profiles
Terence Reynolds' ('81) work in advertising has taken him to one of the industry's
halls of fame.
Alumni Profiles
Josh Florez ('11) founded a nonprofit to help veterans combat post-traumatic stress
disorder.
Alumni Profiles
From heading human resources at poppi to volunteering for a nonprofit, Estela
Reyes ('06) shows she cares.
Alumni Profiles
Charity Eden ('13) draws on her lifetime of experience and UNT studies for her
Taylor Swift tribute show.
Alumni Profiles
For more than 40 years, John Cochran ('87) has been building success from sunup
to sundown.
Alumni Profiles
Amanda Ekery ('16) earns Grammy nomination for a project about her unique heritage
Alumni Profiles
Michael Matthews ('22) and Laura Tarafa ('23) find success as journalists working
for magazines in the NYC fashion and beauty industry.
Alumni Profiles
Father and son Gary ('74) and Jason Garrett ('23) dedicate their lives to an artistic
legacy.
Alumni Profiles
Lisa "Tex" Parker ('02) experiences the Grand Canyon, and Appalachian and Pacific
Crest Trails and shares them with others.
Alumni Profiles
As president of Mrs. Renfro's, Doug Renfro ('84) knows the ingredients to a good
business and a great salsa.
Academics
Inspired by his son's graduation, Bob Hale ('25) earns his degree at 78.
Star Student
Davian Serna wins award from the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Perspective
Restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have concocted dishes inspired by UNT, its alumni and its traditions.
Alumni Profiles
Mike Weber's ('90) investigations lead to publication of the book "The Mother
Next Door."
Alumni Profiles
Musician, playwright and singer Matthew Wray-Martinez ('21) follows his dreams
to NYC.
Alumni Profiles
Michelle Fuller juggles many roles as a cybersecurity officer, actor and volunteer
living in New York City.
Alumni Profiles
Amy O'Neil ('17) is on a mission to make opera more accessible.
Alumni Profiles
Artists and friends Shamsy Roomiani ('07) and Poppy Xander ('09) craft a world
together.
Alumni Profiles
Ahou Line ('23 Ph.D.) has a quest to make play therapy accessible to parents.
UNT News
Staffers from the UNT Police Department and Facilities make sure campus is safe
during times of need.
Alumni Profiles
Danielle Bakic ('13) grew Swimming Fishies Swim School through perseverance and
self-belief.
Books
Authors explore various subjects, from the personal to the professional.
Online Exclusives
Mean Green Olympian Kellie Delka discusses her time at UNT and experiences at
the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Online Exclusives
Photojournalism alum Chip Somodevilla (’95) discusses his work covering the nation’s
big events.
Online Exclusives
Megan Nestor leads women’s basketball team – and provides help for her country.
From Our President
The strategic plan will guide our work -- and underscore our commitment to student
success -- through 2030.
Partnerships and Programs
DATCU partners with Student Money Management Center.
Partnerships and Programs
Longtime supporters establish largest scholarship gift in the university's history.
Giving Impact
New scholarship benefits undergraduate music students – and honors late fiancé
Innovation
UNT’s Center for Cyber and AI Security earn honor for work-skills readiness tool.
Innnovation
UNT researcher Vijay Vasudevan leading the development of advanced low-loss, grain-oriented
steel to improve transformers.
Innovation
Economic Security
Economics associate professor Xi Yang studying how economic policies impact older
adults.
Innovation
Francis D’Souza, Regents Professor of chemistry, receives honor from Society of
Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines.
Innovation
UNT researchers are teaming up with the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on
alligator research.
Giving Impact
Thanks to donor's gift, students can view legacy of telecommunications.
Supporting Success
New status makes UNT a trusted connection for military-civic engagement and community
service.
Programs and Partnerships
Braven program offers learning labs for students to tackle life after graduation.
Athletics
This spring, UNT officially named its soccer field Norma Knobel Hunt Stadium after
the alumna who supported the sport's growth nationally.
Retrospective
Early women’s basketball games on campus featured dirt courts and bloomers.
Supporting Success
Texas Talent Accelerator will plan for the jobs North Texas will need in the future.