Denton EDP Blog

Investor Profile : University of North Texas

Posted: 07/28/2011

 

Investor Profile: V. Lane Rawlins, President of University of North Texas

 

V. Lane Rawlins is president of the University of North Texas, the state's fourth-largest university. UNT was founded in Denton in 1890 and is now one of Denton County's largest employers. UNT is proud to be in the Chairman’s Circle, which consists of the top three investors in the Denton Economic Development Partnership. Additionally, President Rawlins serves on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Partnership Board.

 

President Rawlins earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley and his B.S. in economics from Brigham Young University. He has focused much of his research on labor economics (especially the effects of education on earnings in people's lives) and public policy.

 

 

• What does your company/organization do?

As a student-focused public research university with more than 36,000 students, the University of North Texas is committed to helping students reach their potential by providing access and a rich, supportive environment. We know that preparing a highly qualified work force is key to powering the regional economy and helping students achieve their goals. UNT has helped drive the North Texas economy for more than 120 years and today is the nation's 33rd-largest public university and the state's fourth-largest university. UNT is Dallas-Fort Worth's leading university, which is America's fourth-largest metropolitan area and is home to many of America's fastest-growing cities, including Denton.

 

• What community activities/organizations are you involved in?

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Partnership Board. I have twice served on the NCAA's Board of Directors and as chair of the Pac-10, Conference USA and Great Mid-West athletic conferences. I have served on the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Governor's Council on Global Competitiveness, and more than 20 other boards, including Boy Scouts of America, United Way and WKNO National Public Radio.

• What do you like about Denton/Doing business in Denton?

 

One of Denton's mottos is that it's "North of Ordinary," and in many ways that holds true for UNT. Most obviously, both Denton and UNT are north of what many people consider to be the region's hub, which is both a pro and a con for both of us. But we are one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas, located in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. That is a powerful combination. Then factor in that Denton is such an economically vibrant area supporting so many kinds of industries and UNT is a growing research university with Discovery Park, a nearly 290-acre research park that supports entrepreneurship and helps bring new technology to the marketplace. UNT is at a unique advantage to be the hometown university not just for Denton but for the entire North Texas region.

 

There also is a spirit that defines both Denton and UNT — an edginess that comes from our shared rural and artistic roots. The historic downtown says it all — no matter how big Denton gets, it will always feel intimate, welcoming and far from cookie-cutter.  

 

• Why are you an investor?

 

UNT has grown up with Denton. Our growth and our future are inextricably linked and we've had a great relationship over the years. We know that it is just as important for UNT to support Denton's economic development as it is for Denton to support our progress. To be a university located in an economically thriving area with so much business is great for recruitment, research and our students' education. And for Denton to have a national university of UNT's caliber in its backyard can be a powerful incentive for industry because they know they can tap into innovative researchers and will have a great built-in labor force in our students and graduates.

 

• What do you feel your contribution to Economic Development in Denton has been?

 

UNT is a key partner for the city in many ways, particularly through Discovery Park. One of the research park's key focuses is to promote technology innovation and entrepreneurship and to help bring new technologies to the marketplace. And it's working. Businesses and entrepreneurs can collaborate with our talented faculty and students who are engaging in cutting-edge research to commercialize their technologies and bring about new innovations. Few other research parks have the faculty expertise and one-of-a kind research tools that Discovery Park has. In addition to fostering research, Discovery Park offers the business incubator and is home to UNT's Office of Technology Transfer. This business focus has helped attract startups such as Solar Logic. You can learn more on Discovery Park's website. UNT's Center for Economic Development and Research also works regularly with the city to provide economic analysis. The center recently prepared the Economic and Demographic Projections for the City of Denton: An Update, and the center's director, Terry Clower, gave a presentation at the Investor Reception in May.

 

• Any important announcements or upcoming activities you would like to share?

 

I have recently appointed Dr. Herman Totten as the new vice president for University and Community Affairs. With this appointment, UNT will take an even more active role in community engagement in Denton and throughout the North Texas region.

 

We also would like to invite the community to the many outstanding events on campus, including lectures by prominent figures and musical performances by our nationally renowned College of Music. We've hosted speakers such as George W. Bush and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and musicians such as jazz artist Dave Brubeck. You can find a listing of UNT events at http://www.unt.edu/calendars-events.htm. UNT's Murphy Center for Entrepre neurship also holds regular events. Its annual Leadership Luncheon held every November is a must-attend event for the business community. This year, Jeb Bush will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon.

 

And you also may have noticed that we have the new Apogee Stadium going up on I-35. We hope that our neighbors and friends in Denton and the surrounding communities will come out and root for their hometown university and the Mean Green team. This is a wonderful state-of-the-art venue, and there is not a bad seat in the house!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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