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ALUMNA
Leigh Hilton ('89)
Denton County attorney and 1989 UNT graduate, Leigh Hilton, is helping families navigate through the challenges of Alzheimer’s.
Denton is Hilton’s hometown, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business control systems with a specialty in accounting from the Ryan College of Business. Upon earning her undergraduate degree she then gravitated toward practicing law, which she has been doing for the past 26 years.
“I enjoy helping people protect themselves and their families,” said Hilton.
Her recently released books: You’re Not Alone: Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and You’re Not Alone: Living as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver aim to do just that.
Both books provide a myriad of information to those recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. From providing different options for caregivers, to coping with the stresses of Alzheimer’s, Hilton’s work serves as a comprehensive guide for North Texas residents.
“One of the most important things for someone with an Alzheimer's diagnosis is to update their legal documents. This allows you to control who will make medical and financial decisions for you if you are unable to make your own decisions.”
Hilton also offers free speaking engagements for the public to attend. Her next seminars will be held in Denton on June 21 and June 29.
READ MORE...
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ALUMNUS
Mark Robertson ('96)
1996 finance alumnus Mark Robertson is the founder and CEO of Plano-based company, Bluvault.
Bluvault is a seasoned implementation and technology partner for some of the world’s leading cloud-based source-to-pay software companies. The company provides implementation, advisory and “any-to-any” system integration services to companies who are implementing cloud-based software, such as Coupa, Zycus and Amazon Business.
Robertson offers several sound pieces of advice to those interested in founding a tech startup:
1) Develop your business around a great idea that has broad market appeal and is something you are passionate about.
2) Steal the learning curve from other startup founders or cross-functional experts in sales, marketing, finance and technology before launching your own startup.
3) Prepare for cash flow demands to ride out early day challenges of making payroll and reinvesting in your business.
4) Keep learning and develop your mental endurance by reading 30 minutes of a good personal development book every day that inspires and challenges you (like The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson).
5) Attract the best and brightest team. Each personnel decision can help propel you forward or drag you down.
6) Make some personal sacrifices by giving up a hobby or minimize TV or game time so you can invest some “sweat equity” into your company every week.
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Each spring, faculty and staff join together to support the University of North Texas through the annual We Care We Count Faculty Staff Campaign.
Historically, the campaign has served as one of the most impactful ways for employees to give back, and this year proved no different. With a giving rate of 37 percent (seven percentage points higher than 2018), employees gave back at an astounding rate.
This generosity translates to added support for innovative programs and life-changing scholarships—a true testament to the confidence and respect that UNT members have for their workplace, and the lengths they will go to for ensuring the best possible opportunities for their students.
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UNT earns 2019 Bobby G. Bizzell Innovative Achievement Award
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The University of North Texas will be honored with the second place 2019 Bobby G. Bizzell Innovative Achievement Award for research and efforts involving Microsoft certifications in the classroom.
Presented by the Southwestern Business Dean’s Association (SWBDA), the annual Bizzell Awards recognize innovative excellence in management education.
The winning paper, submitted by Dr. Ted Farris and Dr. Jose Lineros, shared insight from their experiences in certifying more than 1,700 students in Microsoft Excel. Analyzing differing settings, course sizes, course levels and types of students, their research suggested that making certification required as a part of a course grade will increase student motivation to participate, prepare and succeed at the exam.
Furthermore, supplemental evidence suggested that including certification as part of students’ curriculum can increase degree values.
They found that students with Microsoft certifications were five times more likely to get hired, because of the relevance and importance of Microsoft Office in the workplace. Research also suggests that an entry-level employee could potentially earn up to $16,000 more, annually, if they hold a Microsoft certification.
According to their analysis, Farris and Lineros found that the lowest cost per student certified at UNT was $19.52, concluding that it was a sound investment on their students’ careers.
Both Farris and Lineros have been invited to attend the annual SWBDA meeting this month to present their findings to other SWBDA members and formally accept the award. |
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Student chapter receives national recognition
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UNT’s National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) chapter was recognized with the 2019 NABA Student Chapter Award.
UNT’s chapter is made up of roughly 50 high-achieving students majoring primarily in either accounting or finance. As a member, students prepare for experiences with public firms and companies in a variety of industries, while also building valuable relationships with industry professionals and each other.
More recently, a mentoring program was developed for UNT’s chapter, to help guide new members through their academic and professional careers.
“The NABA students' most important quality is that they help each other out as part of the NABA community… Their motto is ‘lifting as we climb,’ which is particularly appropriate as we see them support each other—not only peer-to-peer, but also as older students mentor younger students,” said Allison McLeod, UNT NABA academic advisor.
The organization’s award will be presented during NABA’s 2019 Celebration of Scholars Luncheon on June 21 in Las Vegas. |
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Professional Leadership Program named to winner's circle for 2019 LEAD Award
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The PLP celebrates at their 25th anniversary gala.
From left to right: Jordan Gill (PLP coordinator),
Dr. Rachel Cleveland (PLP director), Billy Johnson
(former PLP director), Shelia Johnson, Meaghan
Hildinger (PLP assistant director)
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UNT’s Professional Leadership Program (PLP) was named to the winner’s circle (top five) for HR.com’s 2019 Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Awards.
For more than 35 years, the LEAD Awards, formerly known as Leadership Excellence Awards, have identified and recognized the top leadership programs and organizations and their strategies and solutions in their yearly ranking. Ultimately, the awards serve to salute the world's top leadership practitioners and programs and highlight their roles in developing their most important asset - their people.
This year, UNT was recognized for “Custom Content Programming- Continuing Education with Emphasis on Leadership/ Organizational Development.”
“The Professional Leadership Program at UNT is thrilled to be in the winner’s circle for this award. PLP has shown unique opportunities for students at UNT for the last 25 years, and we are excited to see others recognize the importance of leadership development in college students,” said PLP Director, Rachel Cleveland, Ph.D.
Other ranked institutions included: Rollins College, Pepperdine University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Iowa, and Michigan State University.
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Senior Andrew Cobos celebrates milestone with surprise ceremony
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This spring, marketing major Andrew Cobos nearly missed the most meaningful moment in his academic career–his college graduation.
Scheduled to be out of state competing at the Conference USA Outdoor Track Championship, Cobos was devastated to learn he couldn't walk across the stage and accept his hard-earned degree alongside his peers.
A little help from girlfriend Rebecca Smith, and some supportive UNT faculty and staff, gave him the opportunity for something even better though.
Entering the tunnel of the UNT Coliseum on May 8, Cobos was surprised by more than a dozen familiar faces and the commemorative melody of Pomp and Circumstance. Clinching signs of encouragement and ear-to-ear smiles, Cobos’ family filled the room with immense pride as he was handed his cap and gown and led to his seat in front of the stage.
Not only was Cobos a dedicated student and exceptional athlete, but he also became a first-generation college graduate on May 8—making history, and memories, for his family.
On May 11, the scheduled day of his graduation, Cobos continued to make his family and college proud at his championship meet. He went on to earn first place in the preliminary round of the 1500 meter run, and fourth place overall.
While Cobos crossed two milestone finish lines in one week, we expect there will be many more to come in his future. |
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2020 alumni directory to publish
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The UNT Alumni Association is preparing to publish the 2020 edition of the UNT Alumni Directory in partnership with Publishing Concepts (PCI). A new directory is published every five years to help alumni connect with each other and the university. Updated alumni data allows UNT to better determine where alumni live and work and keeps graduates connected to UNT news and events.
The 2020 directory will feature a new alumni-owned business and mentorship directory. Alumni who volunteer to become networking or mentorship contacts will be listed with their field, job title and preferred method of contact.
As part of the directory project, alumni may receive a postcard, email or call requesting updated contact information. These are authorized communications from the UNT Alumni Association through PCI. Alumni will be offered the opportunity to buy a personal copy of the alumni directory, but purchase is not required to participate. Alumni data will not be listed in the directory or shared to any outside contact without permission.
This important alumni data verification project will help strengthen the Mean Green network and provide important career and networking connections. Please help the UNT Alumni Association keep the Mean Green network strong through your participation.
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PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES AT THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
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$10,000
STUDENT WORKER
A $10,000 gift will sponsor a student worker for one full year, aiding staff efforts and giving one lucky individual the added benefit of valuable real-life work experience to help them succeed in life after college. We welcome and appreciate your generosity.
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$5,000
STUDENT COMPETITIONS
Sponsoring two Ryan College of Business students with a $5,000 gift to compete in one regional competition will help properly award our talented students so that their hard work and critical thinking skills are recognized. This funding will cover all costs associated with the competition, including meals, registration, air and one night hotel stay.
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$1,000
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
A $1,000 gift will assist with costs associated with speaker presentations, mentorships and professionalism courses as part of the Women in Business Program. The program ultimately serves to empower women as they build one another up in the business industry.
Click here or the "Make a Gift" link below to learn more
and solidify your support.
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