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
Planning Implementation
At the annual State of the University, President Smatresk reviews UNT's accomplishments and priorities for the coming academic year. He also established the Talon Team, a process improvement group dedicated to identifying and addressing problematic functions and processes at the university, division or department level. The Talon Team group was changed to the Problem Solving Concierge in 2019.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion On Campus
President Smatresk and UNT leaders from across the university worked together to create an action plan – Moving Forward Together: UNT’s Action Plan for Improving Diversity and Inclusion on Campus – to ensure our university better incorporates initiatives targeted at advancing diversity and inclusion on campus.
UNT's New College at Frisco
Launched in January 2016, UNT's New College at Frisco offers classes and degree programs that span many disciplines, combined in innovative ways to provide a career-focused education. The New College represents a new way of thinking, a new way of doing business and a new kind of education.
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.