Great Grads: Fall 2024

Each fall, thousands of University of North Texas students earn their degrees and become UNT alumni. Every one of them should be tremendously proud of everything they've accomplished in their time in Denton.

In celebration of our Fall 2024 graduates, below are the stories of a few of those freshly-minted alumni who overcame adversity and achieved great things on their way to becoming this semester's Great Grads.

Alex Parker

Journalism

By Anna Flood

Alex Parker’s college journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.

Growing up in Austin, Alex first became acquainted with the University of North Texas through an unexpected connection — Dan Bechdolt, his saxophone teacher, who attended UNT’s renowned College of Music. “My private lesson teacher was a UNT graduate for saxophone performance ... that was the first time I thought, ‘oh, that seems like a really cool place to go.” While Alex’s primary passion was journalism, this introduction to UNT sparked his interest in the university.

In 2014, Alex enrolled at UNT as a journalism major with a concentration in digital and print, and he also pursued a minor in sociology. "Journalism is the most interesting job,” Alex says. “It allows you to meet so many cool people and tell stories that matter."

His dream of becoming a journalist never wavered, but his path to graduation was far from smooth. After just two semesters, Alex faced significant financial challenges that forced him to press pause on his studies.  Despite the setback, he knew a degree was the key to unlocking his future career. “I wanted to provide for my family and do something I loved,” he says.

In Fall 2021, after tirelessly working to resolve his financial issues, Alex returned to UNT determined to finish what he’d started.

His experience as a student this time around was drastically different. “I’m a lot more focused and disciplined, with my mind set on my end goal, graduating and getting the job of my dreams.” He threw himself into his studies, particularly enjoying his classes in journalism. One of his most memorable professors was Kerry Gunnels, who played a significant role in shaping his perspective on journalism. “He was approachable, open about his own personal story, and it helped me connect my studies with my goals," Alex reflects.

Beyond the classroom, Alex became deeply involved with the North Texas Daily, UNT's student-run newspaper. As a journalist and photographer, he gained invaluable hands-on experience that prepared him for a career in media. “I really enjoyed my time at the North Texas Daily, Alex recalls. His time at the North Texas Daily was a pivotal part of his education, “I spent a lot of time working at the North Texas Daily. I felt that’s been big for my professional growth and I’ve learned a lot about interviewing skills, writing skills and time management.”

Alex also spent time working for UNT Police Department (UNTPD) completing an internship, where he got real-world experience in an active department. “I really enjoy the opportunity to get to know so many great people at UNTPD. It has been extremely beneficial to me – I have written the newsletter and am given the freedom to make a lot of decisions for that on my own, which gives me great experience in producing news.”

Despite juggling work, school and personal responsibilities — he got married and is expecting his first child — Alex never lost sight of his goal.

"The biggest challenge was finding balance," he says. "But through it all, I learned how to manage my time and focus on what truly mattered."

Now, as he prepares to graduate, Alex is looking forward to the next chapter in his career. He hopes to use his UNT degree to make a positive impact in the world of media, whether through journalism or public relations.

"Success at UNT means looking back 10 years from now and knowing that my time here was the foundation for an impactful career," Alex says. "It’s about overcoming setbacks and never giving up on your goals."

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Ana Alvarez West  

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Sport Pedagogy and Motor Behavior  

By Addie Davis  

For Ana Alvarez West, it’s hard to imagine life outside of academics. She’s been working toward her doctorate for five years, and her dedication will soon pay off when she crosses the stage with her Ph.D. in educational psychology with a concentration in sport pedagogy and motor behavior.   

Ana initially came to UNT in 2013 for the university’s master’s program in kinesiology with a focus on the psychosocial aspects of sport and exercise.  

“I always knew that I wanted more. That I wanted to do more, that I wanted to learn more,” she says. “I just thought really hard about what is it that I want to do?”   

This reflection prompted her to enroll in the university’s educational psychology doctoral program in 2019, driven by her love for research and her goal of becoming a professor.   

As a first-generation Hispanic student, she wants to be a role model for younger students.   

“There are not a lot of Latino professors in universities,” she says. “Unless they see somebody that’s been there before or that’s done it, they may not think that that’s possible.”  

After graduation, Ana plans to continue the research she conducted for her dissertation, which addresses how both parents and the physical home environment influence motor development, exercise levels and cognition of young children.   

“I’m hoping when my research is published, early childhood educators will see it, they’ll read it and they will understand the importance of teaching fundamental motor skills,” she says.   

Apart from her dissertation, Ana contributed to several research projects at UNT, including one examining how virtual reality affects students’ motivation and physical activity levels. She also served as project coordinator for Project MOVE, which had about 10 research sites and addressed childhood obesity, specifically in minoritized communities.   

Not only is Ana the first person in her immediate and extended family to earn a doctorate — she did it while overcoming intense personal challenges.   

Last November, she discovered a family member’s substance use. This was the start of a tumultuous few months as Ana faced the difficulties of living with a person with an addiction. 

“It wasn’t like I could just leave,” she says. “I have three dogs. Where am I going to go? I hardly have any money.”   

Earning her Ph.D. became a lifeline, offering a path to a fulfilling career that could support her and her dogs.   

In March 2024, the individual sought help for their substance abuse, and this provided relief.  However, it wasn’t long before life dealt another devastating blow. Her house flooded in May, displacing her and forcing her to live with a friend for several months.  

“I was like, ‘Are you serious? What am I going to do?’” Ana says. “I have my dissertation. I have my dogs.”   

In addition to leaning on her friends and loved ones, Ana took advantage of the many resources UNT offers to support students with a variety of needs, including the UNT food pantry and the Diamond Eagle Scholars Gowns for Grads, where she borrowed graduation regalia for her pictures.    

“UNT is committed to student success and to helping students graduate,” she says. “I’ve gotten scholarships. I’ve gotten travel grants. I was able to really grow professionally from taking advantage of those resources that are there.”  

Shortly after completing her dissertation in August, Ana received a job offer from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She will begin her new role as a postdoctoral researcher in January.   

As she starts life after college, Ana has some strong advice for current students.   

“In your educational journey, you may experience challenges. Some of us will unfortunately face them more intensely than others. When these challenges come, please reach out to someone for help. Please exhaust all resources, but do not give up on your dream of education.”   

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Anurag Krishnakedar Gumaste

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

By Allicia Washington-White

With humble beginnings in a small town in India, Anurag Krishnakedar Gumaste’s natural curiosity — nurtured by his parents at an early age — sparked within him a spirit of resourcefulness and a commitment to developing innovative ideas. This passion for problem-solving led him to channel his love for science into practical solutions that made life easier for his family and ultimately led him on an adventurous journey from his home in Sangli to the University of North Texas.

“I’ve always been passionate about identifying problems and creating engineering solutions,” he said. “Designing a simple prototype of a sprinkler water system for my mother’s garden using plastic bottles and pipes, which cost only $3, was a pivotal moment that honed my creativity and innovative thinking. Growing up watching Transformers further inspired me to believe that science and innovation have the power to create a more sustainable world.”

Anurag’s father, a civil engineer, always encouraged him to dream big, fueling his passion for engineering. This encouragement led Anurag to successfully complete his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Walchand College of Engineering in India. For his senior capstone project, his team designed a step-climbing wheelchair to assist patients visiting medical hubs in the neighboring city of Miraj. “In the early 2000s, many hospitals in the medical hub lacked elevators, forcing patients to be manually hoisted upstairs — a risky process,” he says. His step-climbing wheelchair offered a safe, practical solution, costing only about $500 to produce.

Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in 2015, Anurag received the prestigious Tata Consultancy Services Best Student Award, recognizing his exceptional performance among a cohort of 600 graduates. He then embarked on a promising career in mechanical engineering, relocating to Pune, India, to gain industrial experience. It was there he had a pivotal realization — “Materials are everywhere!” This insight ignited his transition to materials engineering, igniting his passion for understanding the essential role materials play.

Driven by this newfound interest, Anurag pursued his graduate education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar. In 2017, he earned his master’s degree in materials science and engineering, graduating in the top three in his graduating class.

“The research I conducted during my master’s influenced my decision to choose UNT for a doctorate program,” he says. Amit Arora, Anurag’s graduate school advisor, encouraged him to pursue his doctoral program at UNT. “A Tier One research university — an opportunity too good to pass up!”

He was accepted to UNT’s College of Engineering in August 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of difficulties obtaining a visa, he had to wait an additional five months before he could begin his studies.

“I didn’t get discouraged, as I always aimed for something higher. The goal was to get here and make the most of the opportunity,” he says. He finally arrived at UNT in January 2021, nervous as the first person in his family to pursue aspirations outside of India. However, he found strength in his belief that "adversity defines character."

As a new student at UNT, Anurag immediately felt at home after visiting Mean Greens Café, one of the five dining halls on campus. The wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options made him feel more connected to the community.

Described as someone who consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his time at UNT, Anurag maintained a 3.9 cumulative GPA. He also found fulfillment in mentoring two undergraduate senior engineering design teams. Fostering collaboration and innovation, Anurag co-authored 16 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and received multiple accolades, including the TGS Graduate Student Research Award in 2023 to fund independent research, the Toulouse Graduate School Travel Grant in 2024 to present his work at international conferences, the Materials Science and Engineering Student Scholarship in 2023 for his outstanding performance as a graduate student, and the Materials Research Society's Best Overall Poster Presentation Award in 2023.

Anurag credits his success at UNT to the support of his professors, especially his advisor Rajiv Mishra, University Distinguished Research Professor in Materials Science and Engineering, and the department's commitment to excellence in teaching and research. His story exemplifies creativity, discovery, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Having already received an offer to work in the materials science industry, Anurag is eager to make a real-world impact. He plans to continue exploring new frontiers and developing innovative solutions, maintaining a positive outlook and striving for his daily "Eureka moment."

“Critical experiments reveal discoveries, discoveries drive innovation, innovation advances technology, and technology transforms lives,” Anurag says. “Thank you, UNT, for teaching me to harness my talents to create a more sustainable world!”

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Astrid Quiroga

Master's in Learning Technologies

By Sandria Edgar

Astrid Quiroga is set to graduate from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a master's degree in learning technologies (LTEC), specializing in instructional design. She is passionate about developing innovative learning strategies, particularly for adult learners in virtual environments, so she chose LTEC to combine her interests in multimedia and effective educational methods. Her academic focus includes exploring the impact of positive emotions in multimedia, which she believes can enhance learning outcomes and knowledge retention.

While completing her studies at UNT, Astrid worked as a graduate assistant for the Online Student Experience department. Her mentor and manager, Aundrea Caraway ('17, M.S.) – also a College of Information alumna, played a pivotal role in expanding UNT's reach to a larger audience of online and non-traditional students. Astrid used Caraway's path as a guide by organizing both virtual and in-person events, which fostered community by enabling online students to connect with peers, faculty and staff. For her outstanding contributions to this program, Astrid was honored with the Graduate Assistant of the Year award at the 2024 DSA Awards ceremony.

In early 2024, Astrid also took on the role of Event Coordinator for the launch of UNT's Learning Technologies Student Association. She coordinated events and established the group, which serves as an official space for those interested in advancing the learning technologies community. Reflecting on this accomplishment, she expressed deep pride in creating a lasting resource for LTEC students and professionals at UNT and beyond.

During her final semester, Astrid interned with Aventiv Technologies as an instructional designer, where she was inspired by the company's commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals through educational technology. Moved by Aventiv's mission to use education to reduce recidivism, she accepted a full-time role with the company after graduation. Now, Astrid is fulfilling her dream of positively impacting people's lives through technology-driven education.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Astrid's journey to this milestone has been one of resilience and dedication. She first came to the United States in 2012 as an au pair, taking English as a Second Language courses at a community college, which ignited her desire to pursue a career in web production and design. After earning an Associate of Applied Science degree, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in human resources management at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating magna cum laude. Astrid discovered the world of instructional design as a part-time eLearning developer. This experience drove her to seek advanced knowledge in instructional design, which she ultimately found through UNT's Learning Technologies master's program.

Balancing the demands of higher education while adjusting to life in a new country presented Astrid with challenges familiar to many international students. She navigated cultural differences, language barriers and financial hurdles, but with the encouragement of friends, mentors and fellow international students, she was able to achieve her goals. Looking back, she attributes her success to her faith, resilience and commitment to supporting her family in Colombia.

Graduating with a strong academic and professional foundation, Astrid looks forward to using her skills to advocate for accessible learning opportunities and equitable technology distribution to underserved communities. With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI, she sees opportunities to enhance learners' experiences by streamlining tools and processes that foster meaningful knowledge acquisition. Her work at Aventiv is just the beginning of her journey, with many more chapters yet to be written.

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Audre Rees

Ecology for Environmental Science

By Shelby Bahnick

Coming from a family in the oil business, Audre never thought her college journey at UNT would lead her to a career in environmental law, but that is exactly where she is headed.

Audre chose UNT for its well-known forensic science program. She started her freshman year as a chemistry major with aspirations to become a forensic scientist. During her summer orientation, she realized a chemistry major wasn’t the right fit for her, so she switched to a bachelor’s in biology, but remained in the forensic science program.

It was not until the second semester of her freshman year that she started to question if forensic science was for her at all. Audre found herself really drawn to biological sciences, such as animal and plant science.

Another influence in Audre changing her major was growing up with her dad working on oil rigs. This gave her a unique perspective into the effects of the oil and gas industry.

“My pivot towards environmental science was not only influenced by the obvious effects of oil and gas giants on a warming climate, but also because of the impact it had on my family's life,” Audre says.

Audre’s dad would be gone for six or more weeks at a time working on oil rigs, and the work was not always consistent.

“Being left to the whims of the industry's own boom and bust cycle ultimately shaped how I viewed the oil and gas industry, as not only unsustainable in a long-term environmental perspective, but also unsustainable in family lives, too.”

With her new-found interest in life sciences, a family history in the oil industry, along with a lifelong passion for the environment, Audre felt inspired to change her major. Attending UNT campus, where being environmentally friendly is a staple of the university was also a major factor in her inspiration. Switching to Ecology for Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry allowed Audre to explore more sustainable solutions for the future of energy and its impacts on the environment.

After switching her major, Audre dove headfirst into ecological work. She joined the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), where she and the SER team have put in years of work to restore the UNT’s Discovery Park Pollinator Prairie back to its native habitat. Her team is proud to see the return of many birds and insects.

“It is super cool to see glimpses of what the prairie’s native habitat looked like 100 years ago,” Audre says.  

Through the Society for Ecological Restoration, Audre also was able to secure an internship her sophomore year as a sustainability intern for Lake Lewisville Environmental Educational Learning Area (LLELA).

LLELA is a 2,600-acre park that was set aside for preservation and habitat restoration. Audre has done a lot of work in this area of Lake Lewisville, including invasive species removal of weeds and mesquite trees. Audre also worked with the LLELA team to install drainage piping through a creek in the park that was overflowing due to beaver activity.

Audre surprised herself and learned a lot about herself through this experience. As her team was racking their brains for a plan on how to install the drainage piping, Audre volunteered to get in the creek to install the pipes herself.

“It was in that moment that I realized I can do way more than I think I can,” says Audre.

Audre started to think about areas that are not as lucky as LLELA, areas of land that are not protected. Growing up in Katy, Audre has seen a lot of land that used to be prairies get turned into housing developments or shopping centers.

“I started to think about those kinds of areas and how those areas are becoming less and less because of development and insufficient policy. This is what got me turned towards law,” Audre says.  

Pursuing environmental law will allow Audre to be more equipped with general knowledge of policy and the work that goes into determining what land is dedicated to development or preservation. One day, she hopes to be at the table when those discussions take place.

“A lot of times, there is a disconnect between the science and desired economic use of land in these conversations. I want to be a voice for the people I have worked with over the last several years,” Audre says. “I am excited to have my background in science so I can know how to apply that to policy in the future.”

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Bavly Bebawy

Finance and Financial Planning

By Chelsey Gilbert

Bavly Bebawy has no problem being a groundbreaker. Having moved from Egypt to the United States with his parents as a young child, and as a first-generation college student, he’s used to finding his own way and working hard.

In high school, he participated in The International Baccalaureate program with a rigorous curriculum that challenged him academically. When it came time to explore his higher education options, he navigated the process himself — organizing campus tours, researching the application process and learning about financial aid.

“When I toured UNT’s campus, I just knew this is where I wanted to go to school,” Bavly says. “I wanted to go to college because no one else in my family had. I was the bookworm growing up, so it seemed natural that I was going to go into higher education.”

Going into his freshman year, Bavly thought he knew exactly what he wanted to major in — philosophy. After his first few weeks, though, he realized philosophy wasn’t for him.

“I went through a tumultuous time my freshman year switching between majors,” he says. “I wanted to help people and was business minded, so I looked into finance.”

A year into the finance program, Bavly was directed to Clinical Assistant Professor Mark Evers, who is director of UNT’s G. Brint Ryan College of Business Financial Planning Program, for career guidance.

“I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in the field, but after the first time I spoke with Dr. Evers, I knew I wanted to go into financial planning,” Bavly says. “It’s a perfect blend of my personality and skill set. I love having conversations with and helping people, and at the same time, I love math and finance.”

To get the best of both worlds, Bavly decided to declare two majors for his B.B.A., finance and financial planning.

“I think we’re in a very interesting time for the financial planning degree at UNT,” he says. “It’s the only in-person B.B.A. in financial planning in Texas, and I am confident this program is going to become a force to be reckoned with.”

Academics wasn’t the only area Bavly poured his time into. YoungLife ministry was another large part of his college experience, where he made numerous friendships and connections.

“I think UNT is the most accommodating place,” he says. “I think no matter who you are, what you’re into, you’ll find a community for yourself. Even just in terms of personalities and interests, it’s very diverse.”

Bavly made unlikely friends during his campus meals, too.

“I’ve really built very strong relationships with the staff at Eagle Landing,” he says. “My diet would run on a specific schedule due to intermittent fasting, and every night I would go to Eagle Landing and get six to seven plates of food to intake my daily calorie goal, so the cooks began to prep my meals ahead of time in anticipation of my order.”

Bavly also was a leader in the financial planning program serving as a member of the Wilson Jones Student Leadership Team and a founding officer of the MoNeY Club at UNT. He served as a moderator and earned the Leadership Award at the 2024 UNT Financial Planning Day and will serve as a moderator at the 2025 InvestFest. Simultaneously, he interned for over a year at Provident Financial and earned his Series 65 license, making him an investment advisor representative at just 22 years old.

His advice to younger and prospective UNT students is to enjoy everything the college experience has to offer, but to not forget the reason they’re here.

“Prioritize your grades,” Bavly says. “It’s easy to get distracted and there’s a lot of freedom that comes with coming to college, but there’s a proportionate balance of responsibility and freedom.”

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Cherisse Williams

Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and Master of Business Administration in Music Business

By Genesis Tates

Cherisse Williams is not just any opera singer; she represents a confluence of diverse cultural backgrounds and a commitment to academic excellence.

As an accomplished opera singer and a budding entrepreneur, she pushed herself to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts in voice performance with a related field in music business and entrepreneurship and a Master of Business Administration in music business.

“The doctorate allows me the opportunity to teach in higher education and the M.B.A. would help me run an opera company,” Cherisse says.

Cherisse's early exposure to the arts fueled her ambition to pursue a career in music. She was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and moved to Brooklyn, New York at just 2 months old.

At around 2 years of age, she began singing and first experienced opera at age 5, when she fell in love with opera through PBS Great Performances. Cherisse’s early interest turned into a career, and while she’s had opportunities to sing at the Dallas Opera, she has big dreams to one day sing at the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall. Her desire is that opera won’t become a dying art form; she yearns for a younger generation to be involved, and she holds a desire to make an impact on those younger future fans.

Cherisse adds, “There are more singers than jobs so I feel like creating an opera company will provide more opportunities for artists.”

Her journey to UNT is a testament to the power of positive recommendations and personal connections. She first heard about the university from one of her close friends, Bree Nichols, a proud alumna of the College of Music. Cherisse's interest in UNT was also sparked by her high school music theory teacher, Kevin Blancq,  UNT graduate who shared praise for the institution. It was Nichol's successful experience at UNT that motivated Cherisse to apply. She encouraged Cherisse, saying, "I think you would do really well here." After she witnessed firsthand the incredible opportunities available at UNT, Cherisse found the courage to step out of her comfort zone.

While a UNT student, Cherisse was largely influenced by three key UNT professors who shaped her musical and professional aspirations. Dr. Carol Wilson, her voice teacher, stands as one of her most dedicated supporters, consistently providing invaluable guidance and advocacy throughout her journey.

 Two classes that significantly impacted her are the oratorio and concert repertoire classes taught by Dr. Steven Morscheck and her music business class, led by Jessica Muñiz-Collado. Morscheck's passion for music literature and its historical context made the learning experience particularly enriching for Cherisse.

And her first class with Professor Collado left a lasting impression.

“She said when someone called her professor. She's like, ‘No, call me Jessica, I want all my students to feel that they are just as important as I am.’”

During her time at UNT, Cherisse has demonstrated standout talent, winning the William Gammon Concerto Competition at the College of Music, and recently she received the prestigious Golden Eagle Award.

“I think it is a huge honor because not only am I representing myself, I’m representing my family and my program,” Cherisse says.

Since 2012, Cherisse has been a part of the Sigma Alpha Iota sisterhood, with more than a decade of involvement, she joined the organization during her undergraduate studies and chose to continue her engagement when she moved to Denton with the Iota Theta chapter at UNT.

Reflecting on her experiences, Cherisse Williams emphasizes the importance of passion and the multifaceted nature of personal growth. She believes that a supportive environment, like UNT, fosters this diversity not merely in terms of race or religion, but across a broad spectrum of academic interests.

Cherisse has this word of advice for others, both at UNT and in life: “We have great resources — take advantage of them. There is always someone willing to help you get to where you want to be.”

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Christiane Elle 

Hospitality Management and Military Science 

By Addie Davis 

Resilience has been the key word for Christiane Elle, who is graduating with a hospitality management degree and a minor in military science.  

Her path to graduation has not been easy or straightforward. Originally an engineering major, she felt she was not reaching her full potential, so she switched degrees going into her junior year, virtually becoming a freshman again.  

This change of major presented a problem for Elle, who is in the Reserved Officer Training Corps. Through her enlistment in the U.S. Army, she was only allowed four years to graduate. Starting a new degree plan from scratch threw a wrench in her plans.  

She talked to her advisor, Jaymi Wenzel, and because of her academic standing, and with approval from her commanding officer, they were able to develop a timeline of two and a half years, including winter sessions and summer semesters, to complete her degree plan.  

For Elle, this meant taking more than 20 credit hours a semester at UNT while taking courses at Dallas College. She also had to complete 500 hours for an internship in hospitality, which she did by working two jobs at UNT.  

On top of academics, Elle works part-time at the Welcome Center, goes to the gym, performs her military duties, including traveling for training, and through the coed military fraternity she’s a part of, Omega Delta Sigma, she serves the community. 

Managing all these tasks and responsibilities has been challenging, but Elle says being the daughter of immigrant parents has motivated her. 

Originally from the Republic of Cameroon, a country in the West and Central Africa region, Elle and her family moved to Texas in 2012.  

“My parents came here and fought very hard for me and my siblings to have the privilege to be educated and to get a better life than they did,” Elle says. “My parents paved the path for me, so I need to be as successful as I can be.”  

Because of their sacrifices, she always knew she wanted to pursue higher education. Her family also inspired her to join the military, as her grandfather, father and siblings served. However, she rejected the idea when she was young.  

“I was like, no,” Elle says. “Everyone’s doing it. I don’t want to do it.”  

She eventually changed her mind, saying she looks up to her family members who served, enjoying the stories they tell. 

“I want to be able to live and experience it for myself,” Elle says.  

Since the military is a people-oriented organization, hospitality management is a great fit. It taught Elle leadership skills she’s used as the battalion commander for her program and will continue to use throughout her military career. Instead of managing hotels, she’ll use her degree to lead units.  

Upon graduating, Elle will earn her gold bars and be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, becoming active duty. From there, she'll receive her assignment and be stationed somewhere in the world.  

Before embarking on that journey, Elle has some very pressing plans.  

“I’m going to sleep,” she says.  

Her expedited degree plan certainly has kept her busy, but she says time management has been critical in keeping track of all of it. She puts everything into her calendar, even planning her rest, stressing that extra time isn’t going to appear out of nowhere.  

More than just planning her time, persistence has been the cornerstone to her success. This message of resilience she echoes to current students, urging them to keep going even when the path is tough.  

“Resilience is key,” she says. “It’s okay to fall down, but being able to get back up is where you’ll find your own strength.”  

Elle can see this perseverance in her own college career as she looks back on all she’s accomplished. 

“Not everyone makes it. Not everyone keeps going,” she says. “I’m proud of my growth, I’m proud of my resilience – I’m proud of me.”  

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Christopher Bills

Social Work

By Anthony Simone

For some students, the transition to university life can be a challenge. San Antonio native Christopher Bills learned that a fulfilling college experience comes with being actively involved on campus and how supportive the Mean Green community can be. Coming from a charter school with a graduating class of 22 in downtown San Antonio, he wasn't exposed to a lively campus filled with people to connect with.

 "I was drawn to the atmosphere on campus upon arriving at UNT," Christopher says.

Once he was on UNT's campus, he immediately faced his biggest obstacle— the transition from learning on a small campus to college life at UNT. Like most first-time college students, finding a balance between school, work and social life was difficult, and finding ways to engage meaningfully in a new environment seemed overwhelming. "My freshman year, I really didn't know what to do with my time and thought it wasn't necessary to be involved, so I just filled my time with things I enjoyed instead of things that were good for my self-care and my mental health," Christopher says.

He experienced a change of heart when he began his second semester. In taking classes and connecting with professors such as Lucille Armstrong, Dr. Karla Horton and Dr. Frey, Christopher learned the meaning of leadership and discovered that he loves to give back to his fellow Eagles. He was encouraged to actively participate in class and come out of his shell – he switched majors from political science to social work, a degree that allows him to use more of his passion for helping people.

Throughout his second and third years at UNT, he sought more opportunities to get involved with the campus community. Over the summer, he served as a service coordinator in the 2024 Homecoming Crew, worked for three years in the Orientation and Transition Programs office as an orientation leader and is now completing an internship with UNT's PUSH program, which provides structured, campus-wide support for students who have experienced foster care.

He now encourages his fellow Eagles to become involved on campus and trains new Orientation Leaders over more than 24 new student orientation sessions in the summer.

"I don't think you need to be in a bajillion clubs to actually be involved on campus and I think that's proven through my experience – find one thing you enjoy," says Christopher.

 "I've found my second home at UNT, thanks to the community I have built and thanks to the faculty and staff. I've grown and learned so much in the short time I've been here," says Christopher.

After graduating, Christopher plans to earn a master's degree in social work and work in higher education, specifically student affairs.

 "Social workers are needed in higher education to facilitate valuable campus experience for students," says Christopher, whose love for helping others blossomed during his time at UNT.

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Damon Ward Jr.

Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies

By Allicia Washington-White

For Damon Ward Jr., football was more than a sport — it was his identity. But when a devastating ACL injury during his senior year of high school threatened his dreams, he found unexpected hope and support at the University of North Texas.

Despite his injury, UNT’s coaches stood by their scholarship offer, showing Damon that he was valued beyond his athletic ability.

“The coaches never stopped showing me love, and it was a no-brainer because I felt like I was being recruited at my lowest, and I honestly fell in love with UNT at that moment,” he says.

Damon joined the Mean Green Family in 2019 with high hopes, but his road to recovery was anything but smooth. Twelve surgeries kept him sidelined for years, testing his resilience and forcing him to explore life beyond the field.

“It was depressing. Football was a way for me to escape, and I couldn't even do that,” Damon says. “I realized that getting my degree wasn’t just a backup plan — it was about proving to myself that I could overcome anything.”

While unable to play, Damon focused on academics and campus life, pursuing a bachelor's in integrative studies. He joined the Black Student-Athlete Committee and began volunteering with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He also leaned on his faith through Bible study, learning to find purpose and humility beyond football.

When Damon returned to the field in 2022, his determination paid off. He appeared in 12 games, started in eight, and achieved a career milestone with 101 receiving yards. His momentum carried into 2023, where he played in all 12 games and capped the year with an impressive 53-yard performance.

But for Damon, the journey at UNT was about more than football. It was about finding himself.

“Football will always be a part of me,” he says, “but I surprised myself academically, too. I never thought I’d maintain a 3.3 GPA.”

Now preparing to graduate with a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, Damon is training for the professional league. His time at UNT shaped him both on and off the field, preparing him for whatever comes next.

“Through it all, I learned that I could find my lane off the field and always gravitate back to football. My experience at UNT proved I could overcome anything, and I didn’t think I could do it initially,” Damon says.

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Erick Morales

Music Education and Clarinet Performance

By Lisa Sciortino

Growing up in the South Texas city of Laredo, which ranks among the poorest in the nation, Erick Morales clung to his clarinet and the focus that making music provided.

“It was just something I could channel my energy into. It was an outlet for me,” he says.

One of four children raised by parents who lacked a formal education, Erick first picked up the clarinet in middle school and eventually decided to make music his future. “I fell in love with music, and I felt like I wanted to be someone who brought music into other people’s lives.” 

Despite not having his own instrument or being able to take private music lessons until he began in 2020 at UNT’s College of Music, he is graduating this fall with a pair of bachelor’s degrees in music education and clarinet performance.

“UNT is a place where people can flourish,” Erick says. “There are so many opportunities at your disposal.” 

During his freshman year, Erick began in the UNT Wind Orchestra. For three years, he was a member of the Green Brigade Marching Band, serving as a squad leader for the clarinet section. He later became a student assistant and worked to help manage the band’s operations and logistics. He also performed with the North Texas Wind Symphony and UNT Symphony Orchestra and served as librarian for the Wind Studies program.

“I was really consumed and surrounded by music all the time and I loved it. It was stressful, but it was so rewarding,” he says. “I saw what UNT had to offer, and I tried to take advantage of it as much as I possibly could.”

In 2023, Erick won the College of Music’s annual William Gammon Henry Concerto Competition after competing against 18 fellow musicians — including master’s and doctoral students — who performed in more than a half-dozen instrument categories.

He had competed twice previously and landed in the top spot on his third run at the grand prize — a guest spot performing with the Norman Philharmonic in Oklahoma. He took the stage with the group this fall. “It was awesome,” he says.

The third time proved to be the charm for Erick again earlier this year. Following two unsuccessful auditions in late 2023 and early 2024 for U.S. military bands, in April he auditioned again and was offered a job with the U.S. Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own.”

The Army’s 102-year-old premier musical organization provides support at high-profile national and international events, including presidential inauguration ceremonies and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. 

“Pershing’s Own” players are military servicemembers. In January 2025, Erick is scheduled to begin basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Following his anticipated completion date in March, he’ll be promoted to the rank of staff sergeant and will relocate to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia — also called Fort Myer — where the band is stationed.

But he won’t be the only Laredo native and UNT alumni currently serving with “Pershing’s Own.”

Erick first encountered euphonium player Sergeant First Class Christopher Buckley (’05 M.M, ’10 Ph.D.) several years ago, when Buckley visited United South High School in Laredo — where he had attended and Erick was then a student — to perform and encourage students to pursue their dreams.  

“He told us, `I walked these halls. I did the same things you all are doing and if you believe in yourself and you stay constant and dedicated to it, it’s a possibility,’” Erick recalls.

During the “Pershing’s Own” audition process, he recounted the interaction for Buckley, who also is the band’s audition coordinator and attended Erick’s final-round, in-person audition at Fort Myer. The audition included an interview session with more than a dozen uniformed military members.

“By that point, I felt like I could be myself,” Erick says. “You have to be really vulnerable for an audition like that, and I felt like I had already given a lot of what I had to give, so I was just honest with them, and they offered me the job.”

Just as Buckley assured it would, persistence paid off for Erick.

“I’ve spoken to so many people who have gone through the premier band process and they’ve all told me the same thing — you have to keep trying and don’t be afraid to fail,” he says. “Every time you fail an audition, you pick up the pieces, you reevaluate, you get better. Always strive to make yourself better.”

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Guadalupe “Lupita” Rojas Matias

Applied Project Design and Analysis

by Bess Whitby

Growing up, the goal of pursuing higher education wasn’t just important to Lupita Rojas Matias. It also was important to her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s before she was born. From a young age, her parents told her that a college degree would be key to her success.

“My parents sacrificed so much to come here. They left their home, they came here with nothing, they didn’t know English. Because of that, my education was really important to them,” she says.

Lupita’s search for the right university was a short one: she had friends who were already attending UNT, and she liked that Denton was close to her hometown of Plano.

“I liked that UNT was open and welcoming to everyone. That aspect solidified my decision to apply,” she says. “I didn’t apply anywhere else.”

While Lupita wasn’t always sure what she wanted to study, she was determined to repay her parents’ sacrifice. She enrolled at UNT as a freshman psychology major and began taking classes. As a first-generation college student, she dealt with plenty of challenges: scholarship applications, financial aid paperwork and transfer credits were just a few difficulties she had to navigate on her own.

“I definitely dealt with imposter syndrome. Sometimes in a class it seemed like most of my peers had at least an idea of what we were discussing, but I didn’t,” Lupita says.

But new, bigger challenges arose when her father suffered a stroke that left him partially disabled. To help her family, Lupita put her academic pursuits on pause. When additional health issues emerged as a result of the stroke and her father needed around-the-clock care, she stepped in as his caregiver.

When Lupita returned to UNT, she decided to change her major to applied project design and analysis, which includes coursework on project management, data analytics and design. She liked that the degree was comprehensive and knew it would prepare her for multiple career options across industries. She began taking classes at UNT at Frisco.

The Frisco campus was closer to her family’s home in Plano, making classes easier to attend. Balancing classwork and caregiving wasn’t always easy, and there were times Lupita wasn’t sure she would succeed. But she kept going, taking things one week at a time. She says her professors were always understanding and supportive.

“All of my professors were very accommodating of my situation. It would have been so difficult to finish without their help,” she says.

The final step in Lupita’s degree plan was a capstone project. Each student selected a company to act as their project design client, then conducted research and data analysis before creating a plan to help the client grow their business. Lupita chose her mother’s residential cleaning business for the project. She conducted surveys with her mom’s current clientele, as well as individuals who were undecided on residential cleaning services. That data was used to create a growth plan for the company. Lupita even created a brand-new website to help her mom expand her business.

Lupita presented her project at the end-of-semester capstone meeting. Her hard work had paid off: she received a departmental award for best capstone project. Best of all, her mom was in attendance to witness her accomplishment. She says it was a full-circle moment.

“I was so excited that I was able to do that for her,” Lupita says. “It was like, ‘Thank you for this education, because now that I have it, I’m able to do this for you.’”

Now that Lupita is graduating, she’s excited to begin her career. She hopes to secure a role in project management or data analytics in an industry that brings her fulfillment. With years of experience under her belt, she’s also helping her younger sister navigate her own college journey. Most of all, she’s thankful that she persevered and fulfilled her dream of pursuing higher education.

“I’m grateful to God, because he helped my parents come here, and he helped me. And of course, I’m grateful to my parents,” Lupita says. “This is a shout-out to them.”

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Huy Nguyen

Mechanical Engineering

By Genesis Tates 

Huy Nguyen’s story stands as a testament to the power of determination, resilience and the pursuit of knowledge.

An immigrant from Vietnam, Huy's journey to the United States began in 2012 with a keen desire to learn and improve his English. Huy made the brave decision to join the U.S. Army, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.

“I knew the journey I was on would take one step at a time,” said Huy

His path to earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at UNT was shaped by his childhood fascination with creating and designing his own toys. He also was inspired watching his father work through complex challenges of being an agricultural engineer. 

While in the military Huy knew his first and biggest obstacle would be learning English. He was enrolled in ESL classes for many years and devoted countless hours to studying, practicing, understanding and mastering the language. It was not just about academics but about forging meaningful relationships and finding his voice in a foreign world. 

“Knowledge is to share, and learning English is just one step into helping as many people as I can,” he says. 

Huy’s advisor, Xiaohua Li, a clinical associate professor of mechanical engineering, played a pivotal role in guiding him through many moments of frustration during his academic journey. Li not only offered expert advice and insights but also became a best friend to Huy — someone who understood his challenges and aspirations. Another professor Hassan Qandil expertise and passion for the field served as a model for Huy, motivating him to pursue excellence and embody the principles of innovation and practicality that are fundamental to mechanical engineering.

“Dr. Hassan has been a great professional role model and has shown us what it looks like to hold yourself to a high standard in the profession,” Huy recalls.

Huy‘s project for Discount Tire has won the 2nd place out of all projects presenting in Fall 2024 in MEEN Department capstone projects. He was developing an innovative lifting device specifically designed for large truck tires. By engineering a solution that eliminates the need for manual lifting and minimizes the risk of injury, Huy hopes to improve efficiency and workplace safety for automotive technicians by taking a more thoughtful approach to design and functionality.

Huy’s involvement on the UNT campus as a member of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, is one of the many ways he is committed to both academic excellence and professional development in the field of mechanical engineering.

Over the next four to five years, Huy plans to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering at UNT. With a focus on enhancing his technical expertise, he aims to deepen his understanding of advanced engineering principles so he can ace the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams and become a licensed professional engineer.

When he crosses the stage to accept his bachelor’s degree, Huy will achieve a dream that’s been 10 years in the making. He hopes his story is an inspiration to every student who’s encountered obstacles on their path to graduation — especially those pursuing a degree in engineering. 
 
 Huy says, “Don’t let people keep you from pursuing your ideas.” 

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Jillian Gilmore

Event Design & Experience Management

By Linet Cisneros 

Jillian Gilmore started out like many college students — unsure of her potential and future career. But she quickly discovered her perfect fit in Event Design & Experience Management at UNT.

“I didn't know that it was a major that I could do. I was looking through the UNT website and was like, ‘Oh wow, they have a major for this!’ I've always led with my heart, and after taking a few hospitality courses, I realized that this is where I was supposed to be,” Jillian says.

Her love for planning events began in high school where she was active in theater stage management. “Putting on a show was like putting on an event basically, and I was really passionate about that,” she says. Her passion was further ignited by UNT professors, M.T. Hickman and Todd Uglow, who provided her with real-world experiences alongside her coursework. “I hadn't had a teacher like Professor Hickman that I really connected with. My classes were extremely realistic, and it was really supportive to have someone like that,” Jillian says. As for Professor Uglow, Jillian was inspired by his passion for the field and the open dialogue and conversations he encouraged during class.

While still attending UNT, Jillian applied what she learned at her part-time job at Pizzeria Testa in Frisco. As the sales manager for the restaurant, she interacted with customers and clients who wanted to host birthdays, baby showers and even weddings at the restaurant. “It was really fun for me to connect with those people and bring their vision to life. They would come with all these ideas, and it was fun to figure out how we could make it happen,” she says.

Jillian’s love for Event Design & Experience Management runs in the family. In addition to her father who worked in fine dining throughout her childhood, Jillian discovered that her great-grandfather worked in the hospitality industry as the manager of Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “I didn't realize there was a pretty strong line of hospitality running through my family, so it was kind of cool to hear that story about my great-grandfather. It makes sense that I possess certain qualities that work well in the hospitality industry,” Jillian says.

Also like many college students starting out, Jillian overcame academic obstacles related to her dyslexia through the resources offered by the UNT Learning Center.

“All of the labs that I went to for help were super and really good for my foundation at UNT. Every time I had a paper that I wanted to submit, everyone was more than happy to help,” she says. The resulting boost in her academics, combined with her time spent at UNT, allowed Jillian to become more confident and ready to take on anything.

“When I look at myself when I started at UNT compared to now it's like a completely different person. It was all the students and faculty that created a really confident person who is not scared to take on new challenges and who is excited about doing new things,” Jillian says.

After starting an internship with Benchmark Hospitality at Deloitte University over the summer, Jillian has now joined the banquets department full time and was recently promoted to a banquet captain. With this full-time position at Benchmark Hospitality secured, Jillian is excited to begin her next chapter.  

“I'm now in a manager position and I'm really comfortable there. I know I'll keep learning from them,” says Jillian, who was not the only Eagle at Benchmark Hospitality. “There were actually a few students who work there that I hadn't met at UNT that I'm probably going to be in contact with for the rest of my life.”

For Jillian, her time at UNT was transformative.

“I think UNT is really good about asking you what you want to do and helping you make it happen. Everyone here wants to support each other and see each other succeed,” she says.

This fall, Jillian will not only leave campus with a bachelor’s degree in Event Design & Experience Management, but with colleagues, mentors, and a newly found confidence and resilience that will last her a lifetime.

“I think college, as a whole, teaches you not to be scared of change, so I would say to just be brave and put yourself out there because you're not going to regret it,” she says.

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Maria De Jesus Contreras

Biochemistry and Music Performance

By Lisa Sciortino

Maria De Jesus Contreras always knew she wouldn’t be content earning just one degree.

As a high school senior in Frisco, she applied to universities that would allow her to simultaneously pursue a pair of degrees in seemingly unrelated subjects: music performance and biochemistry. This fall, she’ll graduate from UNT with bachelor’s in both — the former with a concentration in harp, the latter in forensics.

“Whenever people heard what I was doing, they’d say, `Wow, those have nothing to do with each other,’ and I’d say, `You’re telling me,’” Maria says. “But I really didn’t want to give up either because they are two very strong interests of mine, so I figured I could do both.”

A harpist since middle school, in 2020 she auditioned and was accepted to the College of Music. For the last four years, she has been a member of the chamber harp ensemble, the UNT HarpBeats, and also has performed as part of the UNT Symphony Orchestra, the UNT Concert Orchestra and the Jazz Strings ensemble.

“I love playing with all of my friends in a group,” she says.

Jaymee Haefner, professor of harp and director of graduate studies for the UNT College of Music, has worked closely with Maria and says she has demonstrated “exponential growth” in her musical abilities.  

Her “innovative” harp arrangements often serve as the closing number at HarpBeats performances. “She has tackled some pieces that would even be challenging for graduate students,” Haefner says.

In 2021, Maria interviewed and was accepted into the Forensic Science program in the College of Science. She began taking courses her junior year. 

“I like the fusion of biology and chemistry together. There’s a big part of forensics that has to do with biology,” Maria says.

Charlie Williams, faculty advisor for UNT’s Forensic Science program, describes Maria as “relentless in the pursuit of her goals. I am constantly inspired by her tenacity and creativity when faced with a challenge.”

But balancing the coursework and commitments that accompany a double major hasn’t been easy.

“There have been classes that have overlapped and schedules that have interfered and I’ve had to navigate those situations,” Maria says. “It’s kind of like performing schedule triage, where it’s like, `What’s most imminent? What’s most important? How can I make compromises and still be able to do both?’ I think in a lot of ways, I’ve been more successful than other people thought I would be.”

During her sophomore year, she added a job to her busy schedule — serving as a student assistant with President’s EDGE, a UNT program that assists its staff in earning high school equivalency certificates, learning basic computer skills and resume building. Other courses include English as a Second Language, Conversational Spanish and preparation for the U.S. Citizenship Test.

Maria, who has previously worked as an academic and music tutor, says she was well-suited for the position. The daughter of Venezuelan immigrants who came to the United States to earn their doctorates, she knows firsthand the impact an education and citizenship can make on one’s life.  

“One of the things I really want to do is have the capacity to help people in whatever form I can,” she says. “At President’s EDGE, we help people who have been in this country 20 or 30 years but haven’t applied for citizenship. We help them with those forms and the process. Sometimes, that’s overwhelming for people.”

Kemper Rao, program director for President’s EDGE, says Maria has assisted UNT employees in completing their online applications for U.S. citizenship and helped them prepare for the interview and civics portions of the exam. She’s also customized lessons and activities for the staffers she taught in ESL courses.

“I have always admired her sense of responsibility and willingness to accommodate the sometimes-variable schedules of the UNT personnel she works with,” Rao says.

At the start of her UNT career, Maria opted against setting a limit on what she thought she could accomplish as a student — a decision she credits to having watched her parents turn their academic dreams into reality.

“People told them they were crazy for going to America to get a degree. But they pushed past the expectations that people set for them. Growing up, they always told me, ‘Don’t limit yourself. Understand that there are so many opportunities for you to explore and pursue.’

“I’m pretty happy with the experiences that I’ve had,” says Maria, who is considering her post-graduation plans and weighing options for her future. “I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to do so many different things.”

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Marshal Farmer

Journalism

By Cassie Kutev

Marshal Farmer has come to realize that journalism is more than a career; it’s a calling. 

Starting out as a communication studies major, Marshal decided halfway through his junior year that he needed a more focused direction in his studies which led him to switch to journalism. Now, following his graduation from UNT in December, he’s ready for his career to start. 

“There’s a lot of skepticism surrounding journalism, and it’s a challenge our generation of journalists will face,” Marshal says. “But knowing I’m part of this fight to earn back people’s trust — that’s where I feel my purpose.”

At UNT, Marshal had opportunities to gain first-hand industry experience that will accelerate his success in the job market. Over the last year and a half, he’s taken on a rigorous course load, along with a prestigious internship through the News21 fellowship program. This highly competitive national fellowship selects top journalism students from around the country, and UNT nominates only one student per year. 

As a News21 fellow, Marshal worked alongside 28 other students reporting on American democracy leading up to the 2024 election. He focused on the rise in harassment and threats faced by election workers since the 2020 election, which took him on reporting trips including a week in California, where he spoke with election officials and voters. The work culminated in a video he produced that aired on PBS and gained over a million views on TikTok. 

“It’s surreal reading the comments and realizing that so many people watched something I helped create,” he says. 

On the UNT campus, Marshal served both as a director and reported with North Texas Television (NTTV) managing live news shows — an experience he came to love and one he hopes to pursue professionally.” I enjoy both sides of journalism, both the production side and the reporting side,” Marshal said.  Currently, he is searching for a reporter position in Texas and the St. Louis area.

Coming from the Austin area, Marshal first sought UNT for its affordability and automatic in-state admission, but now he says UNT and Denton have become “home,” offering him both stability and a vibrant community. 

Marshal found a sense of belonging through the UNT Fencing Club, where he served as president and cultivated lasting friendships outside his major. “Fencing was my social and physical outlet, and it’s where I met some of my closest friends,” he says. 

As a first-generation student, he admits there was a bit of “culture shock” when he first arrived on campus, but he would encourage incoming students to embrace that and lean into campus life. “This is where you can make lifelong connections and try things you’d never expect — just dive in.”

As a journalist, Marshal has a determination to serve his community and uphold journalistic ethics. “My goal is to deliver the stories that matter to people — accurately, transparently and with integrity,” he says. 

He’s ready to meet the challenges ahead and continue making a difference — one story at a time.

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Mya Vance

Social Work

By Chelsey Gilbert

Giving people a voice is what drives Mya Vance. At UNT, she learned how to advocate for others — and found her own voice.

Mya grew up quiet and introverted, and transitioning to college after two years of fully remote high school was a challenge at first, but she quickly dove into campus life.

“I think what’s unique about my journey is I’ve created a space for myself by blossoming in my socialization and the opportunities I’ve received,” Mya says. “I don’t think I would’ve gotten any of these opportunities without coming to UNT.”

Mya became involved in numerous campus organizations from joining Delta Sigma Theta to working at the UNT Career Center. She made many friends, felt welcomed and found her place in the community while growing as a person. “One thing I would say about UNT is that this is a diverse and perfect place to branch out and find the community you belong in,” Mya says. “For example, during my first week at UNT, I participated in the Black Student Experience, where I got to network, play games, have conversations and meet other Black students.”

At the Career Center, she started as a front desk assistant, mastering all aspects of the role with expertise and proficiency. Over the next few months, she advanced to positions such as peer advocate for student employment and primary trainer for new Career Center student employees. These roles provided her with valuable connections and networking opportunities.

“All the supervisors and students at the Career Center have played an essential role in the opportunities I’ve had across campus,” Mya says. “Throughout my time working at the Career Center, I’ve served on several student panels, including the Employers Best Practices Networking Event, where I connected with employers from the DFW area on what the best practices are when working with college students. I also was able facilitate freshman orientation sessions, where I informed every first-year student and parent of the services the Career Center offers. I’ve had the opportunity to work with UNT faculty and staff across campus, as well as several outside employers.”

In Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the first Black Greek-letter organization chartered at UNT, she found a community of supportive and professional women who provided guidance in her academic journey.

“Joining such an illustrious organization has helped me realize the importance of education, service, social action and sisterhood,” Mya says.

With this new chapter in her life came challenges as well. Being a social, hardworking and involved student means Mya is accountable for many areas of her life.

“Balancing all my responsibilities has been one of my biggest challenges,” she says. “I have a hard time not overcommitting.”

This challenge hasn’t held Mya back. Instead, it pushed her to grow and learn what it means to persevere.

“It’s tough for me to give up,” she says. “Once someone gives me something to do, I’m motivated to get it done – even when it gets stressful. I’m proud of my ability to remain positive and grounded.”

Her resilience also extends to her passion for helping children and marginalized communities through social work. Mya is especially grateful for her time with Karla Horton, an assistant professor of social work in UNT’s College of Health and Public Service.

“A big part of social work is advocating and being a voice for others,” Mya says. “Dr. Horton identifies in some similar ways as me. Hearing her break down complex subjects in ways her students could understand was so helpful. Her Social Work Practice III course had a great impact on me, because of her authenticity and knowledge of what she was teaching.”

Looking ahead, Mya plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in social work. She aspires to work with children in schools.

“I feel like school is a place where children develop, and children are our future,” she says. “I want to create a safe space where children can express themselves and feel comfortable, even despite the challenges they've faced outside of school. Children don’t have a choice in their parents or the environment they grow up in.”

Mya offers this piece of advice for UNT freshmen and future students:

“Embrace every opportunity that is presented to you, no matter how unfamiliar or out of your comfort zone they may seem and be more open to things you would normally say no to,” Mya says. “Allow college to be a time for growth and recognizing some of the most rewarding experiences come from situations where you push yourself outside of the box and allow yourself to see where those experiences may lead you.”

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Sai Kaushik Kollepalli

Master's in Business Analytics

By Walker Smart

Sai Kaushik Kollepalli had never stepped foot in the United States until the days leading up to his first class at UNT. He discovered UNT through a recruiting company in his hometown of Hyderabad in India. The company pairs students looking to in studyng  abroad with schools that may be a good fit for their interests. Because of his interest in business analytics, the company connected Sai with UNT’s master’s program in business analytics.

His journey would take him to a new country where he didn’t know anyone. “I take pride in being an adaptable person. It was interesting. Let’s put it that way. It was totally different than how it was back home.”

One of the first things he had to adapt to was the United States Customary System. “I went to Walmart, and there was nothing in grams. Everything was in ounces, liquid ounces, and I had to figure out what exactly that meant for me to spend money on groceries to last for a month. I always had a phone with me. I always had the conversion tab open.”

Although he had to adapt toa new culture, he knew he’d made the right choice once the semester started. “The first two months of classes were amazing. I loved my classes. I was doing it, but I still needed a group of people.”

Sai found belonging in the UNT community when he started working as a student assistant in the International Student and Scholar Services office. His experience as an international student prepared him to become a core part of the welcoming community that embraces one of the university’s core values of Better Together.  

He helped students with documentation and immigration questions and welcomed them to campus at international student orientations. His coworkers praise his ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and answer questions with honesty, kindness and passion.

Sai’s was dedicated to his job and studying to maintain his 4.0 GPA, but he still made time to form friendships on campus. “It’s exciting to meet different people from all parts of the world. It’s amazing.”

Sai frequently participated in language exchange social hours hosted by International Affairs. “It’s all about learning different things and talking to people about the small things that actually make a huge impact on your lives.”

The class that had the biggest influence on him was  Data Mining and Machine Learning for Business, taught by Russell Torres, associate professor in the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences. “This class totally changed my perspective on statistics and building models. It connected the foundation knowledge with the actual product.”

One of the projects Sai was most proud of came was a case study for this class. The project reviewed attrition for IBM employees using statistical models with factors such as overtime work, time spent traveling and marital status. “One model showed that when an employee was traveling a certain amount, they were more likely to leave. If an employee worked overtime on a certain salary and working with the same manager for two years, they were more likely to leave. It was kind of interesting to see how this was working and how it actually made sense in their life.”

His time at UNT led to a lot of personal growth. “I was always responsible, but I’m even more responsible now. I understood the consequences of not being responsible. I didn’t have to study much before. Once I came here, I was surprised how that changed. I was always studying and always up to date. I have my life put together now.”

As commencement approaches, Sai is currently searching for a job. As an international student, he’s authorized to work for three years in the United States. “I want to gain experience and learn about the working culture of the States. Then I want to go home to India and implement this culture.”

Sai had some words for incoming students, especially international ones. “Be open. Be nimble. Everything you’re going to experience here is going to be totally different to what you’ve experienced. Work on yourself,” Sai says. “You’re here for a purpose.”

For Sai, his purpose is to honor the sacrifices his family made. “My family is my support. I want to make their life easier. I know they are going to pay for my education, but I want to do something for them. I know they say I shouldn't do it because this is love. This is not transactional. I show them love. But you have to do this, too.”

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Scott Sennetti

German and Linguistics

By Audrey Short

Scott Sennetti was drawn to international cultures early on. In elementary school, he memorized countries and their flags. In high school, he befriended a German exchange student, sparking a lifelong passion for the language. And as a UNT student, he has turned his growing language interest into the foundation for a linguistics career.

"Linguistics felt like a natural choice and UNT has a strong program," Scott says. "When you are genuinely passionate about a subject, it doesn't feel like work."

Studying abroad in Lüneburg, Germany, in Spring 2023 proved to be particularly influential for Scott. The experience allowed him to apply years of German studies to day-to-day interactions.

“Using German daily turned it from a subject I studied into a real way to interact with others,” he says. “Studying abroad also pushed me to embrace change and navigate a new culture. It taught me the value of flexibility and open-mindedness.”

It also gave him a new appreciation for English, which Scott admits he once considered bland but now appreciates for its innovation.

"After living and being immersed in a different language for the first time, I noticed things English did that other languages typically don't."

Inspired by his time abroad, Scott expanded his German studies from a minor to a major, further fueling his passion for language and culture.

Scott’s academic journey has spanned sociolinguistics, phonology, and dialectology, focusing on political rhetoric. With the guidance of his mentor, principal lecturer Katie Crowder, Scott earned a 2023-24 Undergraduate Research Fellowship to analyze trends in populist and non-populist political speeches, specifically how language shapes perceptions and influences voters.

“It was fascinating to see how specific words and structures could shape public opinion,” says Scott, whose research culminated in a presentation at the UNT Scholars Day event earlier this year.

For Scott, studying linguistics is about understanding communication itself, a field he describes as being at the crossroads of humanities, anthropology, psychology and sociology. He had the opportunity to share those insights on the interdisciplinary nature of linguistics to a national audience as a student quoted in U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges issue in March 2024.

His adaptability, fostered during his semester abroad, and the challenges he’s navigated through college, will continue serving him as he steps into the professional world. With his sights set on diverse career options in editing, proofreading, and computational linguistics, Scott sees his degree as a versatile tool for making meaningful contributions across various fields.

Looking back, Scott advises incoming students to embrace UNT's wide range of experiences and find their passions within or beyond the classroom.

“Pursue what you’re passionate about, take risks and seek out the people who support and challenge you.”

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Shanice Parker

Studio Art and Art Education 

By Melisa Brown

“I don’t just want to be a good teacher, I want to be a great one,” Shanice Parker says. “I plan to do for others what’s been done for me, and I want to influence my students in ways they’ll take with them when they enter their careers and for the rest of their lives.”

Art and education have long been a huge part of Shanice’s life. It’s no wonder she wants to combine the two. Another huge part of her life? Her family, for whom Mean Green Pride runs deep. After her brother, Donavan, earned his bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis psychology at UNT, Shanice’s mom encouraged her and her fraternal twin sister, Shania — a UNT alumna who majored in journalism — to attend the university, too. 

It didn’t take much convincing. After Shanice learned about UNT’s art program and discovered what a wonderful place the College of Visual Arts and Design is, she was sold. And as Dallas natives, being close to home and commuting together was a win-win for the sisters. “We joke with my mom about all the money she’s saved on bumper stickers and T-shirts since we all attended the same university — and about the fact that she’s not just a North Texas mom, she’s a UNT mom,” Shanice says. 

One of Shanice’s favorite things about UNT is that there’s always something to do. With an interest in Japanese, she quickly found like-minded friends who made studying the language easier. She also loved the events the University Program Council hosts and, for a while, she was one of the co-chairs for the National Art Education Association UNT Chapter.

But what she’s loved most about UNT is the relationships she’s built with her instructors, who have supported her in countless ways throughout her journey.

“I have had so many wonderful professors, people who really cared about whether or not I succeeded,” Shanice says. “Once I got into art education, I really leaned on a couple of them — Dr. Beth Link and Dr. Laura Evans. They’ve made themselves available to me to talk about just about anything. They’re so encouraging. I’ve been thinking about pursuing a master’s degree or teaching college, and they’re both inspiring to talk to. It gets me excited about my future.”

As much as she loves her professors, her true role models are her parents, who encouraged their children to explore and develop their individual strengths so they could pursue the careers of their dreams. For Shanice, that meant a career in art.

“I was always told I was really good at art — great, in fact,” she says. “I think it all started in elementary school when I had an art teacher, whose name was Ms. Parker. How cool is that? Same last name as me! And being in college has really inspired me to try different types of mediums.”

Shanice can’t remember exactly when it started, but her love for art has continued to grow and evolve over the years.

“Right now, I guess I consider myself a mixed media artist. I’ve been experimenting with that, but I really love portraiture, using mixed mediums,” she says.

“I want the world to see my work as a view into different perspectives that they may not have otherwise been exposed to. I want them to see past what’s on the paper and into the souls of my subjects. I want people to relate to the piece, even when it’s not reflective of their own experiences.”

As this chapter of her life nears its end, Shanice is embracing the unknown — and all the possibilities that come with it. “I could continue my education. I could teach abroad. I could do anything,” she says. “There are so many options. I can’t wait to see where this education and my life take me.”

When asked what advice she would give incoming freshman, Shanice says, “Embrace the hardships — they’re part of life and will help you build character. Maybe the first thing you try doesn’t work out, but I promise you this: You’ll have that much more determination to finish what you start next time. And that will better define who you are.”

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Steven Woody

Applied Arts and Sciences

By Amanda Lyons

If there’s one word that describes Steven Woody, it’s “hustling.” 

“I like making my money, paying my bills and having fun with my family,” Steven says.

The 49-year-old father of three, who works full time as a warehouse manager and has a weekend car recovery side gig, is now earning his bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences with a concentration in management after earning an associate degree at Collin College.

“It comes back to my boys,” he explains. “They see me being accomplished without having a degree, but I want to instill in them, especially my youngest, that a degree is going to take them to the next level.”

Steven grew up in a large family in Trenton, New Jersey. With nine other siblings, he never expected his parents to pay for college. Instead, he earned a scholarship to attend the now-closed Upsala College.

“It actually shut down while I was there, and so I just started working. When I was around 25, I was working at a bar, and this military recruiter came in. When he found out I didn’t have a record -- that was rare in the area -- he really wanted me to try out. Well, the only reason I ever went was because a regular bet me $1,000 I couldn’t pass Marine Corps Boot Camp, the test,” says Steven. “That was the best decision I ever made.”

Steven then joined the Marine Corps and served a little more than 20 years. He also first met his wife Tamara at a military occupational specialist school in Mississippi. When he realized they were assigned to the same duty station, he found her again six months later after his deployment ended and they’ve been together ever since.

“She’s amazing. She actually got her bachelor’s degree first and is now going for her master’s, which she’ll probably get in the next year. Her getting her degree is part of why I went for mine.”

In 2019, the two made the move to McKinney after spending time with his oldest brother, David, and his sister-in-law, Petrina, along with their family. His brother has now retired from the United States Army. The couple brought their two sons with them. Their oldest son, Juan Day, now serves in the United States Marines just like his father, mother, and uncles. Their second son, Steven Jr., currently studies kinesiology at UNT. Their third, Samuel, is just about to graduate high school.

“He’s my next focus because he’s about to graduate and is still figuring out what he wants to do out of life; I know one of his goals is to make it to the National Football League. I want to keep him focused, encouraged and happy to pursue whatever it is he decides he wants to do because this is the United States and there’s all kinds of opportunities.”

In a way, Steven says his degree is for his boys as much as for himself.

“My boys have seen me stay busy for years, and they look at me like ‘Dang, Daddy did that?’ or better yet ‘Well, I can do more.’ As young Black men growing up in this world, they’ll have to work harder than others, but I want them to know you can do a lot of things in life if you don’t settle for the basics.”

When it came to enrolling at UNT, Steven says it helped that his son was going to attend, but he also heard that the professors take a special interest in their students.

“Dr. Susan Watson is the best. She made me think about things that stood out about me – not just what I have done throughout my career but also some important traits that I never noticed about myself.”

 For his in-person courses, it helped that there were other older students with prior military experience like him in his classes. While he didn’t always connect to the younger students, the ones in his senior year stepped up to the plate.

“This senior year, in all my projects, every teammate really impressed me because everybody wanted to do their part. I even got really sick once, and they all looked out for me. We aced that project, too.”

For anyone else considering going to school as an older student, Steven has a simple piece of advice.

“You can do it! Whether it be work or school, just stay focused and always have that mindset that you can accomplish it. That’s what I did every day, and I’m still doing it every day.”

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Yumi Standlee

Master's in Linguistics

By Sandria Edgar

Yumi Standlee is set to graduate with a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of North Texas in December 2024. Her focus is language documentation, a field she chose because of her desire to help language communities record and preserve their cultural histories.

Yumi's academic path began at UNT, where she completed a dual undergraduate degree in linguistics and Japanese, graduating summa cum laude and an award from the Honors College. During her graduate studies, she was awarded the prestigious Haj Ross Squibber Endowed Scholarship, recognizing her ongoing research efforts and potential in linguistics. Her research achievements include presentations at academic conferences, notably receiving an Honorable Mention for the Yumi Nakamura Memorial Award at the University of Texas at Arlington's Student Conference in Linguistics and TESOL (UTASCILT) in Spring 2024.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Yumi credits her time at UNT for helping her develop the technical skills required for linguistic analysis and a strong network of peers and mentors. Her dedication to high-quality research and ability to adapt in the face of challenges have become defining aspects of her work. Early in her research career, she faced obstacles but quickly learned the importance of flexibility and foresight, skills that have continued to serve her well.

Beyond her studies, Yumi is a passionate folk music singer from various languages and cultures. She believes these songs embody a beautiful part of human history and linguistic diversity, showcasing the importance of art in understanding the human experience.

In January 2025, Yumi will take the next step in her career, joining the Ph.D. program in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she has been awarded a full scholarship. In this new role, she plans to develop her research further and collaborate with professors and community members to produce impactful work that supports language communities and the academic sphere.

With a strong GPA, numerous awards and an unwavering commitment to her field, Yumi Standlee has proven herself as one of UNT's outstanding students in the linguistics program, making her a deserving recipient of the Great Grad recognition.