Alumni Leading the Way: Meet the New Members of the UNT Alumni Association Board of Directors
The University of North Texas Alumni Association Board of Directors is proud to welcome several new members. The Alumni Association’s Board of Directors provides counsel to the university and serves as the official liaison between UNT and its graduates. These alumni work to establish and maintain lifelong relationships as university ambassadors in their communities.
Adam Griffith (’08)
“Serving on the UNT Alumni Association Board is a true privilege. I envision a future where every Mean Green alum feels connected, engaged and empowered to contribute to the continued success of our beloved university’s academics and its incredible athletic programs.”
Adam Griffith serves as the vice president of technology at Uncommon Brands, where he focuses on leveraging technology to enhance growth and efficiency in the restaurant brands acquired by the UCB team. He has a wealth of experience in leadership roles at various fast-growing restaurant groups, including Original ChopShop, Bellagreen, Smoothie King, Cafe Rio and technology provider Radiant Systems. His expertise lies in high-growth concepts where he has played a crucial role in scaling operations and implementing innovative technology solutions.
Adam and his wife, Ashleigh, have lived in Plano, Texas for over eight years and actively advocate for their community. Adam is a strong supporter of education and has chaired the City of Plano’s Library Advisory Board for over five years. He also serves on the board of Plano Library Friends, a nonprofit organization that supports the libraries in Plano.
When Adam and Ashleigh are not at home or work, you can often find them in Denton cheering for the Mean Green from their long-held season tickets at DATCU Stadium or in section 120 at the Super Pit. His commitment to supporting Mean Green student-athletes in his post-graduate years helps make up for the games he missed while earning his Bachelor of Science in hospitality management from the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism in 2008. Additionally, he obtained a master’s in business administration from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah in 2014.
Ron Lynch (’92, ’00 M.S.)
“My father was the first in my family to go to college. He went to UNT on the GI Bill after returning from war. Our family now counts seven UNT alumni with 13 degrees among us. UNT changed the course of our family, and I am passionate about seeing other families have that same opportunity.”
Ron Lynch is a seasoned human resources executive with nearly three decades of experience leading people operations across major retail, food service and hospitality brands. Currently serving as vice president of people operations at Salad and Go, a fast-growing healthy drive-thru restaurant chain, Lynch brings a strategic and people-first approach to HR leadership.
Throughout his career, Lynch has held senior HR roles at notable companies including Certified Group, Farmer Brothers, SONIC Drive-In, 7-Eleven, Glazer’s Distributors, Sabre Corporation and Johnson & Johnson. His expertise spans HR operations, total rewards, people systems and business development with a consistent focus on aligning human capital strategies with organizational growth.
A strong advocate for authentic leadership, Lynch emphasizes trust, engagement and the belief that HR is as critical to business success as sales, marketing or product functions. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Lynch holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas. His leadership continues to shape dynamic, people-centric cultures in fast-paced, customer-driven industries.
Michael “Andy” McDowall (’24)
“I am inspired by the University of North Texas community’s deep commitment to creativity, innovation and the powerful sense of Mean Green Pride. It’s a privilege to be a part of this community, and I am eager to contribute by supporting the ambitions of its students, the work of its faculty, and the continued engagement of its proud alumni.”
Andy McDowall is a dedicated software developer and maker, bringing a fresh perspective and technical expertise to everything he does.
A proud alum of the University of North Texas, he graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in computer science, with a minor in political science. As a student, Andy was actively involved as a Student Alumni Ambassador, volunteering at numerous UNT Alumni Association events and programs.
When not immersed in the world of code, Andy enjoys the analog pleasures of reading and writing.
Dennis Raso (’86)
“UNT gave me a home to be proud of.”
Dennis Raso came to North Texas in 1971 from Providence, Rhode Island. He received a B.B.A. in marketing in 1986. He had a 41-year career with Coca Cola Bottling and spent most of his career in distribution and planning. Eight of those years were in special events, where he was involved in the planning and execution of all events on campus including athletic events. He retired in July 2020.
Dennis and his wife of 43 years, Lori, are both active volunteers at UNT events and are members of the Diamond Eagles Society. Dennis is a member of the Dean’s Circle of Excellence at the College of Business and is also a contributor to the UNT Alumni Dallas County Scholarship fund. He and his wife also fund two scholarships – one at the Ryan College of Business and one for the ELEVAR program.
A resident of Carrollton, Texas for 35 years, Dennis is an active volunteer and currently serves on the Neighborhood Advisory Commission, which provides matching grants for neighborhood enhancement projects. He also volunteers with Carrollton Fire and Rescue, and assists in teaching CPR to all the 5th, 8th and 12th grades in the Carrollton/Farmers Branch I.S.D.
Debra Sinclair-White (’79)
“Service to the community and others is the ultimate flex.”
Debra Sinclair-White has served as the presiding judge for both Missouri City and Stafford, Texas since 2003. Debra is a frequent speaker and mentor with organizations in her local community. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Debra attended the University of North Texas as an undergraduate student and obtained a B.A. in psychology in May 1979. Debra is a Life member of the UNT Alumni Association and participates in as many activities as possible.
Debra is married to James Otis White, whom she met while they were both students at UNT.
Kendria Taylor (’03)
“As a proud first-generation college graduate, serving on the UNT Alumni Association Board is more than an honor — it’s a full-circle moment. UNT gave me the foundation to dream bigger and serve others. I’m not here to simply hold a seat at the table — I’m here to roll up my sleeves, represent with heart and help ignite a new wave of alumni engagement that’s exciting, impactful and rooted in the Mean Green spirit.”
Kendria Taylor is the president at TG8 Solutions Insight, a learning and development firm she founded in 2018. With over 20 years of experience, her past roles include senior consultant, director, vice president and interim CEO for various nonprofit and corporate industries.
In 2003, she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science from the University of North Texas and earned a master’s degree from Amberton University.
Kendria gives her time as an alumnus in many ways, including providing paid internships through her firm and serving in leadership roles in the UNT Black Alumni Network — currently as president. She is also an advisory board member for the UNT College of Information Department of Learning Technologies and serves on the President’s Community Advisory Council. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys being a mom to her mini-poodle, RJ.
Wendy Watson (’21, ’22 M.S.)
“I’m honored to join the UNT Alumni Board of Directors and give back to the university that shaped so much of who I am. UNT is more than a place, it’s a community of bold thinkers and compassionate leaders. I’m excited to help strengthen the bridge between alumni and current students, creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and impact that extend far beyond campus. Together, we can support each other and make a meaningful difference.”
Wendy Watson is the head of partner integration and oneworld® at American Airlines, with over 29 years of experience in commercial aviation and hospitality. After raising her children, Wendy returned to the University of North Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a certification in rehabilitation studies in 2021, followed by a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2022.
With a strong track record as a caring community leader and a passion for developing others, Wendy served on UNT’s Student Innovation Advisory Board and Micro-credential Review Committee. She is currently a Global Ambassador for the American Humane Society, Managing Sponsor of American Airlines Military Veterans EBRG, a member of Professional Women in Aviation and a member of the Arlington Elks Lodge. Additionally, she mentors young professionals.
Wendy previously served on the City of Bedford Parks and Recreation Board and founded the Friends of Bedford Parks Foundation, focusing on raising awareness and funds for inclusive and accessible parks.