21st Century Commission
If given the chance to change the world, would you take it? If someone told you that you might change dozens of lives by investing in one, would you see the value in that investment?
UNT Dallas has assembled a group of business, civic, philanthropic and thought leaders who answer both questions with a firm, “yes.”
What is our mission and just how are these leaders helping, you may ask?
UNT Dallas aspires to be a learner-centered, highly valued 21st century University that will be recognized for its distinctive interdisciplinary approaches to education, for innovative research, and for its unwavering commitment to serving Dallas, the surrounding communities and the State of Texas. In the spirit of its mission to raise the educational attainment rate in the region, UNT Dallas will ensure an unparalleled focus on students, their success, and the creation of educational legacies in their families.
But creating this type of University requires leaders who will help shape and define the future of UNT Dallas. The 21st Century Commission plays an instrumental role by creating a paradigm of educational attainment, innovative research, student success and urban development necessary to create a true college-going culture.
Meeting several times a year, the 21st Century Commission engages in collaborative strategy and brain-storming sessions to improve existing programs, create niche programs, expand and enhance campus resources and communicate the importance of public universities to the stability of the community.
Members of the 21st Century Commission include:
- Mike Rawlings, Mayor, City of Dallas
- Mark Cuban, Owner, Dallas Mavericks
- Raymund Paredes, Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Diane Patrick, State Representative
- Mary Ann Rankin, CEO, National Math and Science Initiative
- Eric Reeves, Education Philanthropist
- Linus Wright, Former Undersecretary of Education for President Ronald Reagan and Former Superintendent of Dallas Public Schools
- Dumas M. Simeus, Founder of Simeus Foods International, Inc.
- Johnnie King, Former Principal and Founder of The King Group Advertising Agency
- Al Silva, COO of Labatt Food Service and Regent of the University of North Texas System
- Clayton Christensen, Author and Professor with the Harvard Business School
- Kim Clark, President of BYU-Idaho and Former Dean of the Harvard Business School
- Dan Branch, State Representative
- Brent Christopher, President and CEO, Communities Foundation of Texas
- Ambassador Jim Oberwetter, President, Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Henry J. Eyring, Vice President for University Advancement, BYU-Idaho
For more information on the 21st Century Commission, contact the UNT Dallas Office of University Advancement at (972) 338-1092 or e-mail us.
