Joining UNT in 2010, President V. Lane Rawlins, the university's 15th president, brought boldness, vision and discipline to the university, pushing it to provide the best educational experience.

• UNT refocused its recruitment, retention and enrollment efforts to better support current students and to attract increasing numbers of high-quality students. In fall 2013, UNT had record enrollment with 36,221students.
  • The average SAT score rose 7 points to 1108 from fall 2010 to fall 2013 while the number of freshmen grew 18 percent to about 4,400 in that same period.
• UNT strengthened its research culture with an emphasis on attracting distinguished faculty and cultivating more research-active faculty. UNT now has two National Academy of Engineering members and a National Academy of Sciences member on faculty.

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• UNT increased its research funding. Federally reported research expenditures grew to an estimated $49.1 million in fiscal year 2013, up 55 percent from fiscal year 2010.
• UNT placed a greater emphasis on data, metrics and decision logic for planning and operations. Rawlins emphasized more detailed planning and accountability in budgeting.
• In September 2010, Rawlins created President's Councils, bringing together campus leaders to collaborate on key decisions regarding the university's future. The councils cover key areas of the university,including enrollment and retention, capital projects, diversity, community engagement, image and reputation, and management excellence.
• In February 2012, UNT unveiled its new five-year strategic plan: Four Bold Goals for the Future of One Great University: University of North Texas Strategic Plan 2012-17, which centers on four goals to help the university provide the best educational experience and achieve status among the tier-one research institutions.
• In February 2012, UNT launched an updated brand campaign with the new theme line and graphics, "A green light to greatness." It has led to increased brand awareness, pride and engagement.
• UNT joined Conference USA in 2013. The new conference has raised UNT's level of competition, given it more national media exposure and strengthened its ability to recruit top student-athletes. In January 2014, UNT won the Heart of Dallas Bowl — its first bowl game win in more than a decade.
• In April 2013, UNT launched the public phase of its fundraising campaign, The light is green. The time is now. The Campaign for UNT, which marks an era of stronger fundraising and stronger alumni and stakeholder engagement. Rawlins helped to secure two of UNT's most notable gifts, making 2011 a banner year of giving:
  • In summer 2011, UNT landed a $22 million pledged gift that is the largest in its history, a $20 million naming sponsorship for UNT's Apogee Stadium and an $8 million bequest.
• UNT opened three new facilities, all of which are LEED-certified.
  • Apogee Stadium, opened fall 2011, the nation's first college football stadium to be certified LEED Platinum, the highest level certification.
  • Business Leadership Building, opened fall 2011, certified LEED Gold.
  • Highland Parking Garage, opened 2011, certified LEED Gold
• In June 2013, UNT started construction on a student-approved and student-funded new student union.