Bonita Hairston

Chief of Staff

As the senior president's cabinet member in the office, Bonita will serve as the principal professional aide to the President, responsible for directing the operational, financial, and administrative affairs of the Office of the President with maximum efficiency. Bonita will help develop and sustain the support structure for the President, streamline work flow and communications, and oversee all scheduling and financial processes of the office. In collaboration with the members of the President's Senior Staff, the Chief of Staff advises the President on policy, procedural, and operational issues of the University. Bonita also interacts regularly with the members of the Board of Regents. As Chief of Staff, Bonita may represent the President in various internal and external interactions with faculty and staff, students, alumni, and government and community leaders.

Contact information:

• Phone: 940-565-2026
• E-mail: bhairston@unt.edu

Laurea Dunahoe

Special Events Coordinator

Laurea Dunahoe is responsible for managing the critical details of the events hosted by the president. With more than 200 events on the calendar each year, the duties are as diverse as the activities planned. She also represents the Office of the President on the Union Board of Directors and the North Texas Exes Board.

A proud alumna of UNT with a M.Ed. in Counseling and Student Services, Laurea worked in the airline industry for 14 years, where she handled event coordination for local and national events. After job assignments in New York, Boston and Atlanta, this Dallas native says she's happy to be home.

Contact information:

• Phone: 940-565-4367
• E-mail: ldunahoe@unt.edu

Rhonda Acker

Administrative Services Officer I

Rhonda Acker provides general administrative support for the Office of the President. Her primary duties include purchasing, monitoring the office budgets, processing travel, record-keeping, and assisting with correspondence.

Rhonda joined the UNT family in June 2005, after relocating with her family to the Denton area from San Marcos. She comes to us with over 12 years experience in higher education, having been employed at Texas State University

Contact information:

• Phone: 940-565-4592
• E-mail: racker@unt.edu

Ruby Raines

Assistant to the President

Ruby Raines provides administrative support to the President. Some of her duties include reviewing all correspondence directed to the President, coordinating appointments and scheduling meetings, tracking projects, scheduling travel and supervising staff support employees. Ruby also serves as the Building Coordinator for the Hurley Administration Building. Before joining the President's Office, Ruby worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Administration.

Contact information:

• Phone: 940-565-2026
• E-mail: raines@unt.edu

Cheryl Vocelka

Administrative Assistant

Cheryl Vocelka serves as the Administrative Assistant for the President's Office. She is responsible for greeting visitors in the President's Office, including answering and directing phone calls to the proper destination. One of Cheryl's main duties is to facilitate the flow of information within the President's Office and with other offices on or off campus. She also supports the Chief of Staff as well as the Executive Assistant to the President with various projects. Previously Cheryl worked in the Cooperative Education and Internship office assisting both students and coordinators.