The University of North Texas (UNT) Board of Regents has chosen Harrison Keller, Ph.D., as the lone finalist to be the 17th president of UNT. The announcement followed a nationwide search to lead Texas’ third-largest higher education institution. Dr. Keller will replace Neal Smatresk, Ph.D., who has led the university since 2014.
Dr. Keller currently serves as the commissioner and chief executive officer of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a role he has held since 2019. As commissioner and CEO, he was responsible for handling the state’s strategic plan for higher education and managing an annual budget of more than $1.7 billion.
As president, Dr. Keller will function as the university’s CEO, overseeing its administration and operations as well as setting the institution’s vision and strategic objectives. He will help ensure the university’s academic excellence, improve its student-focused identity and strengthen its portfolio of research, scholarship and creative activity.
The UNT System Board of Regents Chair, Laura Wright, led the search advisory committee alongside Chancellor Michael Williams as vice chair. The committee consisted of representatives from the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, administrators and alumni.
“From the beginning of our search, we set out to identify a leader who could build strategic partnerships, recruit world-class talent, and advance the institution’s role in meeting the demands of our region, state, and nation,” said Chair Wright. “I believe Dr. Keller is the best leader to help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
While Dr. Keller has been selected as the role’s sole finalist, state law dictates that there must be a 21-day waiting period before he can be permanently appointed. The board expects to finalize its selection the week of July 1.
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