First-Generation

students with "welcome trailblazers" sign
October 20, 2025

'True Blue' on Nov.1 Will Help Students Explore College and Career Paths

On Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, hundreds of prospective students from area high schools and community colleges will be welcomed at the annual True Blue Preview Day from 9 - 11:30 a.m. It’s the perfect stop for young men and women considering where they want to attend college and what kind of career they aspire to pursue.

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students with mascot Jax
September 19, 2025

UNT Dallas #1 for Student Outcomes in New College Rankings

UNT Dallas ranks #1 in Student Outcomes for its region and category of the newly released Washington Monthly 2025 College Guide and Rankings. The University also ranks in the top tier of the 2026 Best Colleges in America by U.S. News & World Report.

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pricila fuentas visits the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
September 11, 2025

Want to Study in Italy or Spain Next Summer? Here's How

Many students think studying in a foreign country is impossible. But the UNT Dallas Study Abroad Program makes it possible, through scholarships and other ways. Explore the opportunity and take note of the scholarship application deadlines for summer 2026.

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AI image
September 02, 2025

How UNT Dallas Is Embracing AI for Teaching and Learning

UNT Dallas is committed to embracing AI technology for the benefit of teaching and learning, ultimately preparing our students for promising careers. The university’s goal is to stay at the forefront of AI. Ambitious plans are well underway to harness the strengths of AI, while ensuring it is used ethically, transparently, and with the utmost integrity and the most positive outcomes.

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students taking a selfie
August 18, 2025

Final Week of Registration for New and Returning Students

UNT Dallas is going all out to make Fall 2025 registration as fast and easy as possible – both for new and returning students. From August 25-28, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Enrollment, Admissions and Financial Aid teams, and other departments and offices, are open extra hours - offering guidance and support for any current and prospective students.

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untd campus
July 24, 2025

Countdown to Fall Semester: What You Need to Know

UNT Dallas classes begin on Monday, August 25, 2025 – and unregistered students are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible. With Express Registration, students can enroll themselves on MyUNTD.edu or schedule an Express Registration appointment with an advisor who can assist them in selecting their classes.

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dr. kimberly riddick
July 10, 2025

Dr. Kimberly Riddick Accepted Into AASCU Emerging Leaders Program

Dr. Kimberly Riddick, Director of Student Leadership and Success at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), has been selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) 2025-26 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Only 37 higher education leaders were chosen for the program.

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unt dallas 2025 commencement
June 13, 2025

UNT Dallas Tops New "Texas University Report Card" from ScholarShot

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) scored highest in the just-released 2024 Texas University Report Card, an annual evaluation by the educational organization ScholarShot. Not only did UNT Dallas tie for first place, but the university was also singled out as “most improved” from last year’s Report Card.

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unt dallas 2025 commencement
May 14, 2025

Commencement Speakers Tell Graduates to Dream Big and Dream Loud

Two keynote speakers had powerful, motivational messages for UNT Dallas graduates at the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on May 13, 2025, at the Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie. Both encouraged graduates to chart their own individual paths to success, with purpose, and to positively impact their communities and leave a lasting legacy.

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aakira blackmon
May 09, 2025

Resiliency and Dad's Advice Paid Off For This Digital Media Graduate

The graduating senior, who will earn her Bachelor's degree in Communication and Digital Media this month, has a creative flair. From fashion to photography, Aakira Blackmon has made her mark through passion and personal expression.

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chrishna brooks and her Trailblazer award with her mother
May 07, 2025

Meet a Trailblazer Who Wants to Use Data to Break Down Barriers

As Chrishna Brooks prepares to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Analytics from the UNT Dallas School of Business, Brooks is entering a workforce that is changing at lightning speed. Data – and how to slice and dice it – is a focus like never before.

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ashley renteria
May 07, 2025

How a Bank Visit Became a Catalyst for a Career in Finance for This School of Business Graduate

For Ashley Renteria, a visit to the bank with her parents was the catalyst for a career in finance. “It triggered something inside me,” Renteria said. The UNT Dallas senior, set to graduate from the School of Business this month, has always been a “numbers person.”

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yolanda lewis
May 06, 2025

"It's One of the Best Things I've Ever Done" Says 51-Year-Old Graduate

Becoming a teenage mother stalled Yolanda Lewis's educational journey. Becoming a grandmother helped get it restarted, proving it's never too late to pursue your dreams. At 51, Lewis will cross the UNT Dallas Commencement stage on May 13, 2025, joined by her School of Business classmates.

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edvin arriaza
April 07, 2025

How a First-Generation Student Succeeded by Switching Majors - and Social Skills

Edvin Arriaza had no blueprint to follow when he enrolled at UNT Dallas. As the first in his family to go to college, it was an unfamiliar journey. Arriaza soon found the support and encouragement that made his college experience memorable and successful. "I had help here I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere," he said.

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trailblazer 360 preview day 2024
March 06, 2025

April 5 Preview Day Offers Students Close-Up Look at Majors, Programs, Campus Activities

At the UNT Dallas Trailblazer 360 Preview Day on Saturday, April 5, 2025, high school and transfer students can explore programs and majors in our four schools: Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Behavioral Health and Human Services, plus get a close-up look at campus and all the university has to offer.

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untd presidential scholars 2024
February 10, 2025

Incoming Freshmen: Apply Now for Presidential Scholarships, Deadline March 21

Applications are now being accepted for the UNT Dallas Presidential Scholars Program. It is open to first-time incoming freshmen who have been admitted to UNT Dallas for the Fall 2025 semester.

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untd campus update
January 19, 2025

College of Law Partners with MLK Jr's Family to Launch 'Realize the Dream' Volunteerism Project

Realize the Dream's goal is to generate 100 million hours of volunteer service by MLK’s 100th birthday in 2029. The UNT Dallas College of Law is the first college or university in North Texas and the only law school in the nation to join the King family in its global campaign.

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dec. 2024 commencement
December 17, 2024

Inspiring Remarks by Lynn McBee Offer Graduates Advice and Life Lessons

Keynote speaker Lynn McBee shared personal and professional experiences, including triumphs and tragedies, during an inspiring address to more than 400 UNT Dallas graduates at Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17, 2024.

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rolando castillo
December 12, 2024

Meet the First-Generation Student Who Overcame 'Imposter Syndrome' and Embraced the 'Data Revolution'

Although Rolando Castillo was admitted to UNT Dallas on a full-ride scholarship, he faced uncertainty typical of first-generation college students. Thanks to the Trailblazer Elite Program, he is about to embark on a promising career as a data analyst.

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untd campus update
December 02, 2024

Fall 2024 Commencement Set for Dec. 17 at Texas Trust CU Theatre

More than 400 students will receive undergraduate and graduate degrees during UNT Dallas’ Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies, which will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie.

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untd true blue open house
October 14, 2024

On Nov. 2, 'True Blue Preview Day' Welcomes High School and Transfer Students

At the UNT Dallas "True Blue Preview Day" on Saturday, Nov. 2, we will welcome students from area high schools and community colleges planning the next step in their educational journeys.

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untd science lab
October 02, 2024

UNT Dallas Rises in Three Categories of U.S. News 'Best Colleges' Rankings

The 2025 Best Colleges Rankings by U.S. News & World Report show UNT Dallas climbed even higher in three key categories among Regional West institutions.

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unt dallas study aboard program participant
September 06, 2024

Study Abroad Program to Expand Thanks to Grant from U.S. State Department

The UNT Dallas Study Abroad Program has received a $35,000 grant award through the U.S. State Department’s 2024 IDEAS Program competition. The university is one of only 37 institutions nationwide to receive this grant and one of only two in Texas.

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noe mendoza in boxing ring
August 14, 2024

From Boxing Ring to Courtroom, Meet the Law Student Who Can Knock Out His Opponents

Meet Noe Mendoza Jr., a second-year UNT Dallas College Law student and three-time National Collegiate Boxing champion. "It's a lifestyle," said Mendoza, referring to both boxing and practicing law.

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English classroom
May 21, 2024

Trail Ready Summer Bridge Program for Incoming Freshmen Starts June 10

UNT Dallas is launching its first free summer program for incoming freshmen to ensure they are prepared for college-level coursework. The Trail Ready Summer Bridge Program starts June 10. It runs for four weeks through July 3. A second, identical session runs from July 15 through August 8.

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untd campus update
April 05, 2024

'Trailblazer 360' Welcomes High School, Transfer and Graduate Students on Saturday, April 6

Potential students can get a close-up look at everything The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) offers during its annual spring open house, Trailblazer 360 Preview Day, on Saturday, April 6, 2024. UNT Dallas will welcome high school juniors, seniors, and college students considering a transfer so they can design the next steps of their educational journey.

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untd campus update
December 15, 2023

2023 Graduate Plans Career in Politics and Government, But First an MBA

Graduating senior Cristian Medina will stay at UNT Dallas to earn an MBA. He plans to give back to his community by mentoring others, serving in government and running for political office.

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UNT Dallas senior Lauren Herrera
December 01, 2023

Senior Dreams of Becoming a Doctor, After Following Her Mom to UNT Dallas

UNT Dallas graduating senior Lauren Herrera plans to become a dermatologist. She was inspired, in part, by her mother, who is also a UNT Dallas graduate.

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valerie torres, mong scholarship
October 18, 2023

First Recipient of Robert Mong Endowed Scholarship is Named

Valerie Torres, a UNT Dallas sophomore, recently became the first recipient of the Robert Mong Endowed Scholarship, named for UNT Dallas President Bob Mong.

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