Alumni Awards
A long-standing university tradition, the Alumni Awards recognize the best in our alumni body. Throughout their careers, honorees have contributed significantly to their companies, communities and the university while upholding the highest standards and values.
Nominate a Deserving Alumnus/a
Nominations for Alumni Awards are open and are accepted on a rolling basis. Nominations must be submitted by April 15 in any given year for consideration at that year’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony.
2024 Awardees
Distinguished Alumni Award
The most prestigious award given by the UNT Alumni Association, honoring alumni for professional achievement and significant contributions to society and the university.
Rex Glendenning (’79) is the founder and CEO of REX Real Estate, one of the leading boutique land brokerage companies in North Texas, which he launched with his wife, Sherese, in 1987. He was listed as one of the Power Players in DFW Commercial Real Estate by D Magazine in 2008. Glendenning was honored with the Legacy Award in D CEO’s 2023 Power Broker’s program, and in the same year was inducted into the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors Hall of Fame.
Tito Guerrero (’71 M.Ed.) is the director of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ Leadership Academy. During his career as an accomplished higher education professional, he served as the president of Cambridge College, Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Southern Colorado. In 2006, Guerrero was selected by the Hispanic Business Journal as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S. He was the recipient of the Harvard Alumni of Color Achievement Award in 2007.
Diann Rozell Huber (’76 M.B.A., ’01 Ed.D.) is the founder and strategic advisor of iteachU.S., an online alternative teacher certification program that launched in 2003. More than 20 years later, iteachU.S. has expanded to 15 states and remains one of the largest providers of initially certified teachers in the country. Huber is a member of the UNT Kendall Society, the UNT Foundation board of directors and the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series board of directors, as well as an Emerald Lifetime Member of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series.
Outstanding Alumni Service Award
Presented to individuals who have provided exceptional service to UNT or the community.
Drew Springer Jr. (’88) is a member of the Texas Senate, representing District 30 since 2021. He previously served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. In both roles, Springer has fought to preserve traditional Texas values, champion taxpayers and promote economic development. Springer earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNT in 1988 and has remained a proven champion and devoted advocate of the university, generously giving his time, talents and resources to furthering UNT’s mission.
Ulys Knight Spirit Award
Given to an individual or group that has made noteworthy efforts to show exceptional UNT spirit.
Todd Samuels (’90) is the senior director of IT compliance, project management office (PMO) and supplier relationship management for 7-Eleven in Irving, Texas. Over more than 12 years, he has also served in leadership roles in the corporate PMO. For more than 10 years, Samuels has worked to unite alumni and fans of UNT sports by organizing watch parties that foster camaraderie and enthusiasm for the Mean Green. He has served on the UNT Alumni Collin County Network Steering Committee since 2015 and is currently serving his first term on the UNT Alumni Association board of directors.
Rising Star Award
This award recognizes recent graduates for distinguished achievement that has merited the honor and praise of peers and colleagues.
Jackie Davis (’15) is the volunteer supervisor for Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Since 2015, he has supervised volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in the Child Protective Services system, ensuring their needs are met and that they find safe and permanent homes in a timely manner. During his time at UNT, he was one of the founders of the Persevere UNTil Success Happens (PUSH) student organization, which offers support and resources for students from foster care.