President V. Lane Rawlins says UNT's comprehensive campaign is changing the face of UNT and supporting a stronger culture of engagement and philanthropy.

To keep the momentum, he will stay engaged with the campaign as President Emeritus upon retirement later this year.

Q: What does the campaign's name — The light is green. The time is now. The Campaign for UNT — speak to?
UNT is in the right place at the right time, with opportunities that few institutions have available. We're in one of the fastest-growing, most economically vibrant regions in the U.S. As the largest university in the North Texas region, we have a proven track record of meeting the region's workforce and educational needs.

There are so many high school graduates from all walks of life who need and deserve a superior college education from a university defined by excellence. This is what our campaign is about. There is no better time to seize the opportunity and rise to national prominence.

Q: How does the campaign support UNT's progress and its focus on student success?
It all comes down to students. Every gift to UNT — no matter what area it supports — helps us to provide our students with a high-quality education rich with knowledge, opportunity and experience. We're here to uplift our students and give them the best chance for lifelong success. Private support helps us do that.

Q: You made your gift to the campaign, a scholarship in your wife's name for students in fashion design. Why are scholarships so important?
I'm a first-generation college student and I know how life-changing it can be to have private support. I'm here today because of the many people who believed in me and in the transformative power of higher education. Now, as president of the nation's 25th largest public university, I have a much better understanding of what it takes to drive that kind of transformation.

It takes private support, and giving to scholarships is one of the most direct ways that you can help students succeed.