Meet President Keller

Coach Andy Mac · August 15

7th president of the University of North Texas, the third-largest university in Texas and the flagship of the UNT System

President Harrison Keller

Harrison Keller became the 17th president of the University of North Texas in August 2024, bringing with him a deep commitment to advancing student success and elevating UNT’s rich tradition of academic and research excellence.

Dr. Keller is known as an innovator and leader with more than 25 years of experience in state educational budget and policy, university administration, fundraising, and building coalitions among higher education institutions, school districts, and policymakers to expand opportunities through education.

Read President Keller's full bio »

Edited August 15 by Coach Andy Mac

Coach Andy Mac · August 15

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Williams said Keller was an "architect" in the creation of the Texas University Fund, passed initially by the Legislature as House Bill 1595 and later approved by voters to boost research money for eligible universities. He said the board voted for Keller unanimously due to his national and local awareness of higher education, his innovative spirit and his willingness to collaborate.

"Higher Ed is under attack in many ways, for what sort of value proposition is and we're seeing some question whether before your degree is really worth it," Williams said. "We wanted somebody who could have good networking across the country, but also very strong networking in Texas, who also had understanding of the Texas Legislature and how our system works in a state public environment."

After Keller was named the finalist, the coordinating board formed an advisory committee at a special meeting June 18, chaired by board Chair Fred Farias, to recommend possible candidates to the board. UT President Jay Hartzell, President of El Paso Community College William Serrata, and Texas A&M University System Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James Hallmark, selected by Farias and approved by the board, will also serve on the committee.

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/education/2024/07/03/harrison-keller-unt-dallas-president-thecb-texas-higher-education-coordinating-board/74271366007/