Michael Clements Michael Clements
Michael Clements
President V. Lane Rawlins and his wife, Mary Jo. ride in the 2012 Homecoming Parade; Rawlins speaks with students on campus. Driving force Under Rawlins’ leadership, UNT has continued its advance as a driving force in higher education, enrolling and graduating record numbers of students. This fall, UNT reached an enrollment high of 36,221 students, which included its most academically talented freshman class as well as the largest enrollment of doctoral students. And more importantly, UNT is a graduation leader — third behind only Texas A&M and UT Austin in the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded each year by Texas public universities. During Rawlins’ tenure, UNT strengthened its research and scholarship activity while attracting and cultivating distinguished faculty. UNT now has two National Academy of Engineering members and a National Academy of Sciences member on faculty. And research funding increased across the board. Federally reported research expenditures grew 55 percent from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2013. Culture of engagement In addition to focusing on education and research, Rawlins also worked to strengthen UNT’s engagement culture. He sounded the drum and pounded the pavement to remind people that UNT is the University of and for North Texas. Rawlins concentrated on fundraising, community partnerships and image building. During his tenure, UNT landed milestone gifts, created a new community engagement division and launched a new brand campaign, “A green light to greatness.” The formula worked. UNT had a banner year of giving in 2011 with more than $51 million in gifts and sponsorships that impact virtually every area of the university. This year, UNT unveiled the public phase of its fundraising campaign, The light is green. The time
is now. The Campaign for UNT, which introduced an era of stronger fundraising and engagement. Believing that athletics fosters engagement, reputation and pride, Rawlins helped to strengthen UNT’s athletic program. Just two years after opening Apogee Stadium with a $20 million sponsorship, UNT joined Conference USA this year, which has brought more competition and media exposure. Foundation for growth Shared decision-making and strategic planning were the hallmark of Rawlins’ administration. He created President’s Councils that bring together campus leaders to collaborate on key decisions for the university’s future and led the creation of UNT’s new strategic plan. “President Rawlins did so many things to steer UNT on the path to excellence,” Provost Warren Burggren says. “And he continually reminded us to develop stretch goals - indeed, bold goals - and reach for the stars.” Lifetime in higher education Rawlins has devoted his career to public universities, starting as a college student and ending as a three-time university president, because he believes that great education should be available to everyone able and willing to pursue it. “There is nothing else that has the power to change people’s lives like public universities do — especially ones as good as UNT,” Rawlins says. “I’m honored to have been a part of the greatness that exists at this university.” Read more about Rawlins’ accomplishments at northtexan.unt.edu/rawlins-farewell. Winter 2013
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