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Alumni Announcements
Alexis Miller named Regions XI Teacher of the Year
Alexis Miller, a teacher in the Lewisville Independent School District, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2020. Miller was named Region XI Teacher of the Year.
She went on to become on of the Top 3 Finalist for the Elementary Texas Teacher of the Year.
She was not selected as the winner, but this journey was an opportunity for Alexis to represent her school community and serve as an advocate for education.
UNT Alum tapped as an assistant dean at Texas A&M University-Commerce
Dr. Juan Araujo (’11) was named as Assistant Dean in the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he will oversee the departments of curriculum and Instruction, educational leadership, and higher education.
Araujo earned a Ph.D. in reading from the University of North Texas through the College of Education Department of Teach Education and Administration.
Cassie Lloyd to direct Rio Vista ISD Early Literacy Center
Cassie Lloyd (’20) will be directing the Rio Vista Independent School District Early Literacy Center for the school year 2020-21. Lloyd earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas specializing in Applied Arts- Applied Technology and Performance Improvement. She is currently completing a master’s degree in Educational Leadership - Principal as Instructional Leader at the University of North Texas.
Rebecca Serrano named assistant principal fo Bryan Adams High School
Rebecca Serrano was recently named as an assistant principal fo Bryan Adams High School in Dallas ISD. Serrano is a first-generation high school and college graduate. She earned a bachelor’s in English literature and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.
Devin Adams named Dean of Instruction at Houston middle school
Devin Adams ('19) has been named Dean of Instruction at Fleming Middle School in the Houston ISD.
Greg Axelson named Chief Operations Officer for Coppell ISD
Dr. Greg Axelson, who received both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Education from the University of North Texas, where he also received his Superintendent Certification, will serve as Coppell ISD’s new Chief Operations Officer.
Dr. Annie Phillips named a Presidential Fellow for the Association of International Education Administrators
Dr. Annie Phillips, PhD alumnus of UNT Higher Education Program, has been named a Presidential Fellow for the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA). She is one of only five senior international officers from universities around the world selected for the award. Dr. Phillips is the Executive Director for International Affairs at Texas Woman’s University.
Unusual end to senior year not slowing down recent grad
Haley Wilcox recently graduated from the University of North Texas with a Early Education degree this past spring. Even with her final semester of student teaching cut short due to the pandemic, she managed to pass all of her teacher certification exams and graduate Cum Laude. Upon her first interview following graduation, she was hired at Paloma Creek Elementary School in Denton ISD as a First Grade classroom teacher. She has absolutely set an amazing example of what it means to be a UNT graduate.
Zach Shirley helps pen timely look at institutional racism on college and university campuses
Zach Shirley, Ed.D. ('14) is a contributing author of #BLACKOUT - Real Issues and Real Solutions to Real Challenges Facing Black Student Affairs Professionals. Published earlier this year, the book is a timely and relevant read for those wanting to better understand institutional racism and how it manifests itself on college and university campuses. Dr. Shirley is the Director of The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of North Texas.
Book Summary: "On Friday, March 25, 2016, a collective group of Black Student Affairs Professionals (BLKSAP) took over the Student Affair Professionals Facebook page by sharing articles, videos, and personal stories addressing the experiences of Black higher education professionals. These articles, videos, and personal stories addressed issues of racism, privilege, and microaggressions within the system of higher education. The members of the (BLKSAP) Facebook group not only wanted to talk about the microaggressions, macroaggressions, and missteps perpetrated by many of their colleagues from across the country, but they wanted to ensure their voices and concerns of Black Student Affair Professionals (BLKSAP) were heard and that their experiences would not be erased or dismissed by fear, guilt, or fragility of their peers. To preserve this special moment and build on the positive momentum of this amazing event, the creators and members of (BLKSAP) co-authored a book relating to some of the major issues discussed from this online event to raise awareness, educate, empower, and inspire other student affair professionals of color who face these similar challenges. Through a variety of real-life stories from various black student affair professionals who have witnessed some of these experiences on various campuses all across the country, the writers share their personal stories in hopes of raising awareness and providing the inspiration needed for others who face similar challenges to overcome some of these real challenges faced by many student affair professionals of color everyday."
Dr. Jamie Wilson Named 2020 Region 11 Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Jamie Wilson, superintendent of the Denton ISD, has been named the Region 11 Superintendent of the Year for 2020. The Superintendent of the Year Award, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards, honors outstanding Texas administrators for achievement and excellence in public school administration.
Wilson, who has 15 years of administrative experience, has served Denton ISD as superintendent of schools for eight years. His experience in education spans 28 plus years, including his early roles in Aubrey and Keller ISDs as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. He went on to join Denton ISD as an assistant superintendent for secondary academic programs and deputy superintendent before assuming the superintendency. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as his doctorate in educational administration from The University of North Texas.
As part of TASB’s award process, regional winners for the SOTY award must be selected by a panel of local school board members. This year’s panel included trustees from districts throughout the north-central Texas (Region 11) area.
“Jamie Wilson stood out as an excellent candidate not only for his strong leadership skills but also for his commitment to do the best for everyone in his district,” said Karina Davis, a school board trustee from Keller ISD. “From students to teachers, to the community at large – Dr. Wilson is focused on collaboration and innovation to allow for each and everyone to excel in their own way.”