V. Lane Rawlins

15th president of the University of North Texas, the nation's 26th largest university

V. Lane Rawlins is the University of North Texas' 15th president and joined UNT in 2010.

Now in his third public university presidency, President Rawlins has a proven track record in elevating the quality and image of the universities he serves. Throughout his career, he has focused on maintaining strong connections between world-class research and top-quality undergraduate education. His ultimate commitment is to foster excellence in public higher education because of its power to transform individuals, regions, states and nations.

Drawing on his long career in higher education, President Rawlins is steering UNT on a course of excellence as it seeks to grow as a major public research university offering the best undergraduate educational experience in Texas. Already a national university, UNT is growing its reputation with:

  • high-quality students
  • innovative programs for research, scholarship and the arts
  • cutting-edge facilities
  • leading researchers, scholars and artists

During his tenure, President Rawlins is focused on:

  • Increasing the excellence and quality of students' education through strengthened programs and research
  • Advancing research and scholarship
  • Enhancing UNT's reputation by building pride and awareness
  • Helping UNT to be a national leader in employee relations, operational efficiency and client service

Located in one of the nation's largest, fastest-growing metropolitan areas, UNT is home to 36,000 students and 214 degree programs in 12 colleges and schools and is the largest, most comprehensive university in the North Texas region. Founded in 1890, the university is a driving force in higher education in Texas. The university awards nearly 8,500 degrees a year.

Prior to joining UNT, President Rawlins led Washington State University from 2000 to 2007 when it was designated a top-tier research university and substantially grew its research funding. As president of WSU, he led the creation of a strategic plan that guided the university's drive for educational and research excellence.

His leadership also resulted in:

  • increased enrollment of academically talented students
  • a more diverse student body
  • a stronger statewide presence while still supporting the needs of its multiple campus locations

Following President Rawlins' retirement from WSU, he served from 2007 to 2009 as the interim director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center for Conflict Resolution, a regional program of WSU and the University of Washington.
Before joining WSU as president, he served as:

  • President, University of Memphis, 1991 to 2000
  • Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Alabama System, 1986 to 1991
  • Vice Provost, Washington State University, 1982 to 1986
  • Chair, Department of Economics at Washington State University, 1977 to 1982

President Rawlins is currently on the Board of Directors for the Denton Economic Development Partnership. He twice served on the NCAA's Board of Directors and as chair of the Pac-10 Conference USA and Great Mid-West athletic conferences. He has served on the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Governor's Council on Global Competitiveness, and more than 20 other boards, including Boy Scouts of America, United Way and WKNO National Public Radio.

President Rawlins earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley and his B.S. in economics from Brigham Young University. He has focused much of his research on labor economics (especially the effects of education on earnings in people's lives) and public policy.

President Rawlins is a native of southeast Idaho. He and his wife, Mary Jo, have three children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.