Initiatives & Priorities

As a place where science and art converge, UNT has a creative culture that fuels technology, innovation and progress and will help UNT claim our place among the nation’s top universities.

President Smatresk is focused on making UNT a nationally prominent research university that gives students the best educational experience in the state and that transforms them into leaders in a global marketplace.

President Smatresk’s Priorities


The Road to National Prominence

President Smatresk and UNT’s leaders from the Office Research and Innovation are developing a vision and master plan for how UNT will advance as a nationally prominent research university.


Student Success

To give students a great education and the foundation for a lifetime of success, President Smatresk is creating initiatives such as the Save and Soar Tuition Plan, which encourages students to graduate in four years as well as the Transfer Excellence Scholarships for the newest members of our UNT family. And through the university initiative, Succeed at UNT, students have access to tips and resources to stay on track and finish on time.


Faculty Success

At UNT, faculty excellence comes from having distinguished faculty whose research, scholarship and creativity push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. Students benefit from being at an institution with leading scholars, innovative research and state-of-the-art equipment because they learn in an environment that is rich in opportunities.


Staff Appreciation

UNT staff members are the backbone of the university, providing essential support to students, faculty, administration and each other. They are vital to the success of students and the university. Twice a year, President Smatresk hosts Staff Sack Lunches to recognize staff excellence and outstanding departments. The town hall style sessions also include an open-ended Q&A during which the president and administration address questions from staff members.


President’s Council Donor Society

The President’s Council at UNT was established in the early 1970s, coinciding with the inauguration of UNT President C.C. Nolen (1971-1979). This society includes generous donors who have given $25,000 to $99,999 to UNT.