Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024

Dear UNT System Community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of a 9-member presidential search advisory committee to identify the next President of the University of North Texas. President Smatresk has made dedicated progress and important accomplishments over his decade of service to UNT and has positioned the institution well for recruiting and hiring our next campus leader.   

Over the course of the last year, I’ve enjoyed making meaningful connections across the campus, visiting with students, faculty and staff, and laying the foundation to foster and sustain a values-based culture. I could not have asked for better partnership or a warmer reception.

As we embark on this important task, we will be driven by our shared Vision — By 2026, the UNT System is one team, values-driven and customer-focused with an emphasis on excellence, curiosity, and innovation.  

The Search Advisory Committee will be assisted by SP&A Executive Search with the aim of completing its work over the spring semester. I thank the committee members for undertaking this very important task. The full list of committee members is below:

Advisory Committee Members:

  • Laura Wright (’82), UNT System Board of Regents chair – Search Chair
  • Dr. Michael R. Williams, UNT System Chancellor – Search Vice Chair
  • Sam Golden (’74), UNT Foundation Board Secretary
  • Shannon Goodman, UNT Vice President for Enrollment
  • Andy McDowall, UNT Student, Student Regent 2022-2023
  • Carlos Munguia (’79), Regent
  • Lindy Rydman (’72), Regent
  • Terri West (’82), Regent
  • Dr. Marilyn Wiley, UNT Dean of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business

Staff:

  • Alberto Pimental, Managing Partner SP&A Executive Search – Search Consultant
  • Rey Rodriguez, UNT System Chief Strategy Officer
  • Rachel Barone, UNT System Chief of Staff

I have charged the Search Advisory Committee with identifying a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates with demonstrated success and strong commitments to the following areas:

  • Strategic Vision and Innovative Leadership
  • Academic Excellence, Research Growth, and Student Outcomes
  • Communications, Relationship Building, and Fundraising

Additional details will be shared on the UNT Presidential Search website as the work of the search advisory committee progresses.

As the third largest university in Texas, our next UNT president will be critically important in ensuring we continue our pathway of progress by growing academic excellence and research. We need a leader and a partner who is committed to student success, understands the importance of impactful research, and is energized by our aspirations.

Thank you for your interest and commitment to the future of UNT.

Respectfully,

Dr. Michael R. Williams
Chancellor