UNT History & Traditions

For more than 130 years, the University of North Texas has illuminated the way forward, creating leaders and visionaries who have helped build a brighter future. Our students and alumni embody creativity, curiosity and something else that distinguishes them and makes them successful — resilience. These qualities are in UNT’s DNA, borne of an independent spirit that sets us apart. From admitting women on our opening day, to pioneering water quality research for the region, to establishing the nation’s first jazz studies program, to becoming one of the first universities in Texas to desegregate, UNT always takes the road less traveled on our path to excellence.

Read Our Story

Journey along
UNT’s path to success
with our interactive timeline

Show Your Mean Green Pride

Shop UNT
Special UNT merchandise and promotional items, including the official tartan, are available for purchase at on-campus locations and through local retailers.
UNT Memories
We want to hear how UNT is a part of your history. Share your story at northtexan@unt.edu.

Old pictures of students

Rachael Zipperer with UNT's Eppy Mascot

UNT Pod

In celebration of UNT’s 130th anniversary, we take a deep dive into UNT’s Special Collections with archivist Rachael Zipperer (pictured with UNT’s Eppy mascot), exploring some of the most unusual pieces of history contained within — including hamster skulls, footage of chickens clucking along to Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” and a stolen, then returned, first edition of “The Hobbit.”

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