Sept. 16, 2020
Dear UNT family,
Today we celebrate the 130th anniversary of our first class day and honor founding president Joshua C. Chilton. Established in 1890 as Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute, we always have taken the road less traveled. From admitting women on that first day to pioneering water quality research for the region and from establishing the nation's first jazz studies program to becoming one of the first universities in Texas to desegregate, we have an independent spirit of excellence.
We have many reasons to be grateful for our university and our UNT family. This Founder's Day, I invite you to celebrate with us virtually and show your gratitude by contributing to our online Kudoboard. This is a great opportunity to shout out the individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact on you. Watch a special message from Scrappy and me about this year's virtual Founder's Day celebrations.
You also can test your UNT knowledge by answering university trivia questions - just follow @UNTActivities on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You may win a koozie or Scrappy USB drive! You also can learn more about UNT's history and traditions online.
We have transformed tremendously over the past 130 years, and our university continues to do so this year as we adjust to a new reality. We are a resilient and caring community, and we will thrive amidst change. Happy Founder's Day, UNT!
UNT proud,
Neal Smatresk
UNT President