THE UNIVERSITY The University of North Texas is a comprehensive, state-assisted, coeducational institution of higher education that offers a wide variety of undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. History of the University The university was established in 1890 as a teacher education facility by Joshua C. Chilton, the school's first president, who leased facilities for the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institution above a hardware store on the town square. The university has gone through six name changes since its founding: (1890) Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute; (1894) North Texas Normal College; (1901) North Texas State Normal College; (1923) North Texas State Teachers College; (1949) North Texas State College; (1961) North Texas State University; (1988) University of North Texas and has been led by 12 presidents as follows: Joshua C. Chilton (1890-93); John J. Crumley (1893-94); Menter B. Terrill (1894-1901); J.S. Kendall (1901-06); W.H. Bruce (1906-23); Robert L. Marquis (1923-34); W.J. McConnell (1934-51); J.C. Matthews (1951-67); John J. Kamerick (1968-70); John Carter (acting, 1970-71); C.C. Nolen (1971-79); John Carter (acting, 1979-80); Frank E. Vandiver (1980-81); Howard W. Smith, Jr. (ad interim, 1981-82); and Alfred F. Hurley (1982-present). Since 1980 the president also has carried the responsibilities and title of Chancellor of the University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth (formerly Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine). UNT is recognized as a comprehensive, metropolitan research university and as a leader in the performance of many public services, to include assisting in the economic diversification of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and the state of Texas. In 1986, UNT was recommended for designation as "an emerging national research university" by the Select Committee on Higher Education and was designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1976, 1987 and 1994 as a "Class I Doctorate-Granting Institution." Further national recognition came in 1988 when U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett cited UNT for its innovative approach to undergraduate education in the Classic Learning Core, an integrated liberal arts curriculum similar to those usually found only in small, private colleges. In 1992, UNT was elected to full membership in the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. With an enrollment of approximately 26,000 in 1994-95 and a faculty of more than 1,000, UNT is the state's fourth-largest university. It serves students from every state in the nation and from approximately 100 foreign countries. The university offers 138 undergraduate and graduate degree majors, including 84 at the undergraduate level. Since its founding, UNT has awarded more than 135,000 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. It has offered master's degrees since 1935 and doctoral degrees since 1950. As of November 1994, there were more than 63,000 active alumni in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and another 30,000 active alumni residing elsewhere. Location The University of North Texas is in Denton, a friendly college town with a population of more than 66,000 located 37 miles northwest of Dallas, 35 miles northeast of Fort Worth and 27 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The university campus is composed of 116 structures on 455 acres. Many business, industry, education, government and cultural activities that support university studies are based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The University's Mission The University of North Texas is the largest and most comprehensive research and doctoral degree-granting institution in North Texas. The university is committed to excellence in teaching and the discovery and application of knowledge through research and creative activities. As a metropolitan university, the institution is dedicated to continued growth as a leader in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Denton area; the Metroplex; and state, national and international education communities. The university: -conducts high-quality instruction, scholarship and service by: -fostering excellence and innovation in teaching and learning; -supporting research and creative activities that advance knowledge, strengthen undergraduate and graduate programs, and promote the application of knowledge for the benefit of society; and -accepting a primary leadership role in addressing community needs of the metroplex region and the state; -maintains a community founded on free and open inquiry, academic integrity and the examination of values; - nurtures development of students by providing continuing opportunities for intellectual, physical, emotional, social and career growth; - stresses understanding and appreciation of the historical, intellectual, technological, scientific and cultural nature of the search for knowledge; - promotes the advancement of the arts; and - supports a culturally diverse environment and advocates mutual respect for all members of the university community as they strive for excellence. The university fosters its relationship with the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and cultivates partnerships with elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, other universities, businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of education and community life. Faculty At the heart of the university's efforts to carry out its mission are the faculty. Individually, UNT faculty members have been singled out for contributions to their teaching and research fields through diverse national and international awards. Collectively, the faculty have contributed significantly to research and scholarship within various fields through numerous publications, presentations at scholarly conferences, concerts, recitals, exhibitions and performances. Faculty leadership in teaching, research, creative activities, performance and service activities has created national and international reputations for excellence for a number of academic programs within the university's nine schools and colleges. Student Life A wide array of clubs and organizations offer UNT students friendships with people of similar interests and avenues for organized and meaningful service. Included are national honor societies, national professional societies and departmental clubs, an active Greek system, and special focus groups with interests that encompass everything from residence hall improvement to recreational sports. For information, call (817) 565-3807.