Harrison Keller, Ph.D., was officially inaugurated as the 17th president of the University of North Texas (UNT) on November 13. The investiture ceremony, held at the Murchison Performing Arts Center, welcomed nearly 1,000 attendees, including state officials, education leaders, and business partners from North Texas. The event marked the initiation of Keller’s leadership following his appointment in August 2024.
During the ceremony, President Keller outlined his strategic vision for UNT, focusing on student success, research, and innovation. He highlighted UNT’s status as a Carnegie R1 institution, emphasizing its role in advancing knowledge and fostering first-generation college students. Keller stressed the importance of equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for successful careers, noting that about 20% of incoming students do not meet basic college readiness standards.
The president’s plans include leveraging partnerships and analytics to enhance student outcomes and streamline graduation pathways. With a focus on technological innovation, UNT is set to receive $60 million from the Texas University Fund over the next three years. These funds will support research in areas such as cancer, semiconductors, and aerospace technologies, alongside the establishment of a new interdisciplinary institute for data science and AI.
Keller’s investiture also included symbolic presentations, such as the UNT Mace and the president’s official regalia. The ceremony featured a world premiere of “Corridor Fanfare,” a composition by UNT alumnus Rob Halpner, celebrating the university’s rich history and future aspirations.
Local leaders, including Texas House Representative Richard Hayes and Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, expressed support and optimism for Keller’s leadership. Chancellor Michael R. Williams described Keller as a transformational leader poised to steer UNT towards significant growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, Keller emphasized UNT’s commitment to public responsibility and collaboration with regional and national partners. His vision aims to transcend traditional academic boundaries and foster a vibrant, supportive community for students, faculty, and staff.
“We lead with our values,” Keller stated, “and we improvise and innovate toward a better future.” As UNT embarks on this new chapter under Keller’s leadership, the focus remains steadfast on shaping a brighter future for the university and the communities it serves.
