2018 Emeritus Recognition

The following faculty members earned the honorary title of Emeritus in 2018 in recognition of their distinguished service to the University of North Texas.

Jerry Austin
Associate Professor Emeritus, Studio Art

Jerry Austin joined UNT in 1982 as an assistant professor. He was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 1988. He participated in over 150 shows of his work- in solo, invited, and group exhibitions in private galleries, centers, and museums. He provided excellent and continuous service to CVAD in multiple key leadership roles. During his tenure, Professor Austin helped build the reputation of the CVAD Ceramics program at the national level. Today the program is widely recognized, especially for its alternative wood firing processes. 

Weston T. Borden
Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, Chemistry

Dr. Weston T. Borden joined UNT in 2004 as the first Robert A. Welch Professor of Chemistry. He held this position for 14 years. Starting in 2010, Dr. Borden held the title of Distinguished University Research Professor. Since joining the faculty at UNT, Dr. Borden published over 80 papers in first-rate journals. He also won three major research awards from the American Chemical Society (ACS) and he served as an associate editor for the Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS's flagship journal. During his time at UNT, Dr. Borden's research was supported by several grants from the National Science Foundation and the Robert A. Welch Foundation. Based on the student ratings for the graduate courses, Dr. Borden proved to be one of the Department of Chemistry's most outstanding teachers. 

Neal Brand
Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus, Mathematics

Dr. Neal Brand joined UNT in 1983 as an assistant professor of mathematics. He was tenured in 1998 and promoted to full professor in 1997. Dr. Brand was the mathematics department chair from 1999 to 2007. He has held grants from the National Science Foundation and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and served as the Texas section of the Mathematical Association of America’s governor from 2010-13, chair from 2007-08, and executive committee member from 2001-09. In 2014, Dr. Brand received the association's Distinguished Service Award and in 2017 its Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Brand earned several UNT teaching awards, including being named University Distinguished Teaching Professor, an honor he held from 2013 until his retirement in 2017. He served on numerous departmental, college, and university committees during his tenure, including the Graduate Council and the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Council. Dr. Brand published 26 research articles and four works in mathematical education, including two textbooks. He also directed six Ph.D. students and five master's students. 

Sue Brantton
Professor Emerita, Counseling and Higher Education

Dr. Sue Bratton joined UNT in 1994 as an assistant professor in the College of Education. She was tenured in 2001 and promoted to full professor in 2010. Over 24 years, she taught graduate courses with student evaluation scores consistently above the department mean — in a department with mean scores consistently above the college mean and in a college with mean scores nearly always above the university mean. As an author or co-author, Dr. Bratton published more than 19 books, 29 book chapters, and 31 national and five state journal articles. She procured 12 national, 24 state, and 17 local external grants totaling over a half million dollars. As lead or co-presenter, she presented 114 national, five regional, and 27 state refereed conference presentations and 57 national/international, 44 regional, and 27 state-invited professional presentations. Most of her publications, presentations, and grants involved her mentorship of graduate — mostly doctoral — students. She served as chair for over 30 completed counseling Ph.D. students and served on the dissertation committees of dozens more. For 10 years she directed the counseling program’s Child and Family Resource Clinic, and beginning in 2004 she directed the program’s world-renowned Center for Play Therapy, overseeing several conferences each year, regularly publishing academic resources for researchers, and hosting international scholars. She was honored with 17 national, one state, and 12 local professional awards. 

Lyndal M. Bullock
Regents Professor Emeritus, Educational Psychology

Dr. Lyndal M. Bullock joined UNT in 1978 as professor in the College of Education. He was tenured in 1981, remaining at the rank of full professor. In 1991, he was given the status of Regents Professor and he maintained this status until his retirement. During his tenure at UNT, he engaged in numerous scholarly activities (e.g., significant number of refereed publications, leadership roles at the national and international levels through various professional association, and regular invitations to present at national and international conferences) and generated in excess of $16 million of external funding to facilitate research, program development, and support of graduate scholars. In addition to coordinating the specialization area of emotional/behavioral disorders in the Department of Educational Psychology and serving as principal investigator for numerous external grants, Dr. Bullock consistently taught a full teaching load, initiated recruitment plans for potential scholars, and served as faculty advisor and mentor to a large number of graduate scholars. Dr. Bullock served as the major advisor and dissertation chairperson for 78 doctoral scholars during his tenure at UNT. In addition, he established a scholarship in the Department of Educational Psychology to help support the dissertation research of doctoral scholars majoring in special education. 

Harlan Butt
Regents Professor Emeritus, Studio Art

Harlan Butt joined UNT in 1976 as an assistant professor in the CVAD. He was tenured in 1982 and promoted to full professor in 1988. Professor Butt provided important leadership and focus for the Metalsmithing and Jewelry program. During his tenure at UNT he raised the profile and reputation of the Metalsmithing and Jewelry program, and CVAD regionally, nationally, and internationally. Professor Butt participated in over 150 shows of his work in solo, invited, and group exhibition formats, in private galleries, centers, and museums around the world. His artwork was acquired by numerous private and public collections over the span of his 40-year career at UNT. Professor Butt served his discipline by providing leadership in many capacities, including as president of the Society of North American Goldsmiths, and president of the Enamelist Society. He was also named a Fellow of the American Crafts Council. 

Susan Cheal
Associate Professor Emerita, Studio Art

Susan Cheal joined UNT in 2000 as an assistant professor in CVAD. She was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2005. Professor Cheal taught all levels of drawing and painting at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at UNT. During her CVAD tenure, she was particularly invested in the Hybrid Forms class which she took on, developed, and nurtured. Her Hybrid Forms class brought together students from disparate studio areas to explore new methodologies and materials for art-making in a truly cross-disciplinary way. Her contributions to CVAD’s curriculum ultimately preserved the context out of which UNT’s new media program would eventually emerge and helped pave the way towards our current culture of creative collaboration. Professor Cheal has had many solo exhibitions at state, national, and international levels in high-profile spaces, well-respected galleries, museums, and colleges and universities. Her artwork has been included in prestigious group exhibitions. She received numerous UNT-funded grants. In 2007, Professor Cheal's artwork was included in the highly competitive publication New American Painting. She has been a visiting artist/guest lecturer at many important American art centers and universities. 

Teresa Conover
Paden Neeley Professor for Excellence in Teaching Emerita, Accounting

Dr. Teresa Conover joined UNT in 1989 as an assistant professor in the College of Business. She was tenured in 1995 and was promoted to full professor in 2001. She was named the inaugural Paden Neeley Professor for Excellence in Teaching in 2009. During her tenure, Dr. Conover served as a director and president of Beta Alpha Psi, the Accounting honors organization. She served as UNT’s representative to THECB’s Tuning Texas curriculum task force and chaired THECB’s Tuning Business Council for the State of Texas. She authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications in top-quality professional and academic journals. She mentored over 50 graduate students in accounting and other business disciplines to complete their advanced degrees. She served roles in research and teaching grants with awards totaling over $500,000. Externally, she represented UNT as a visiting scholar at the London School of Economics and as a faculty in residence at Ernst & Young, London. Dr. Conover’s teaching abilities were recognized by students, colleagues, and university administrators with numerous teaching awards. 

Marc Cutright
Associate Professor Emeritus, Counseling and Higher Education

Dr. William Cutright joined UNT in 2007 as an associate professor in the College of Education. Dr. Cutright focused his scholarship on the advancement of higher education in Africa, and in 2016 he was named a Fulbright Scholar to conduct this work in Uganda, supported by a UNT Charn Uswachoke grant. Dr. Cutright's direction of the annual Texas Higher Education Law Conference, held at UNT each spring, was a substantial contribution to UNT and the higher education profession. First under his co-directorship, then under his sole directorship, the conference drew an average of 250 higher education administrators annually from across Texas who sought to learn the most current information regarding legal aspects of their jobs. The conference regularly generated over $30,000 after expenses. Of this amount, Dr. Cutright allocated at least $20,000 to support higher education student scholarships. In addition, Dr. Cutright’s student evaluation scores were excellent. In a program that had one of the highest doctoral production rates at UNT, Dr. Cutright tied with another faculty member for chairing the most dissertations to completion — at least 19 since 2010 when the department began keeping its own records. He also served on numerous additional dissertation committees of completed doctorates. 

Paul Dworak
Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus, Music History, Theory, and Ethnomusicology

Dr. Paul Dworak joined UNT in 1979 as an assistant professor in the College of Music. He was tenured in 1985 and promoted to professor in 1995. As a professor of required music theory courses, Dr. Dworak interacted with nearly every student in the College of Music. He was an exemplary teacher and was consistently forward-thinking in the area of curricular development. As a result of Dr. Dworak’s accomplishments, he was recognized in 2014 with one of the university's highest faculty honors, the University Distinguished Teaching Professorship. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Dworak focused his research in the area of technology and its impact on ear training for musicians. He published his work and gave countless presentations at symposia throughout the country. Dr. Dworak also served as the associate dean for operations in the College of Music for six years and as UNT's director of compliance for eight years.

Thomas Evenson
Dean Emeritus, College of Health and Public Service

Dr. Thomas Evenson joined UNT in 1980 as an assistant professor. He was tenured in 1987 and promoted to associate professor. During his time as a faculty member and later as an administrator, Dr. Evenson was a tireless advocate for students in his college and is responsible, in large part, for the great success of the college’s advising office. He gave both his time and resources to UNT, working countless hours and establishing a scholarship to support students in the college. Dr. Evenson was instrumental in the development of one of the first live-and-learn communities at UNT: UNT Serves. This successful residential community resulted in thousands of hours of community service by its residents. He served as department chair, associate dean, special assistant to the president, and dean. Under his guidance and vision, the college was transformed from the College of Public Affairs and Community Service to the College of Health and Public Service. Dr. Evenson was a tireless public servant to his department, the college, the university, and the community as a whole for almost 40 years. 

Vincent Falsetta
Professor Emeritus, Studio Art

Vincent Falsetta joined UNT in 1978 as an assistant professor. He was tenured in 1984 and promoted to full professor in 1992. Professor Falsetta’s paintings are in the collections of over 180 private, public, corporate, and museum collections; including the corporate and university collections of the Exxon Corporation, Miami University, and Temple University. Professor Falsetta’s works are also part of the holdings of a number of museums, including the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. His paintings have been included in over 110 solo, invited, and/or group exhibitions in galleries and museums during his career at UNT. In 2007, Professor Falsetta was a finalist in the prestigious Hunting Art Prize. His work has been chronicled in 13 catalogues and essays and two books. Professor Falsetta taught across all levels of the drawing and painting curriculum and held enormously high expectations for his students. During his almost 40-year tenure at UNT, he served numerous times as the coordinator for the drawing and painting program in the Department of Studio Art. His reputation as a painter and educator raised the stature of the CVAD over his distinguished career.

Phillip Foster
Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus, Engineering Technology

Dr. Phillip Foster joined UNT in 1982 as an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Technology. He was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 1988. Dr. Foster was instrumental in launching Engineering Technology in 1992, which in 2003 became one of the three founding departments of the College of Engineering. He served as program coordinator for securing and maintaining ABET accreditation for the B.S. degrees in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology for 20 years. He is the single inventor and author of a U.S. patent for a liquid cooled stirling engine with a segmented rotary displacer. This engine sparked new research in green energy and waste heat recovery. In 2015, Dr. Foster was recognized for his record of teaching excellence with the honorable distinction of University Distinguished Teaching Professor. Dr. Foster impacted thousands of students, many of whom are alumni in the DFW area. 

Harland Hagler
Associate Professor Emeritus, History

Dr. Harland Hagler joined UNT in 1966 as an assistant professor in the Department of History. He was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 1970. During his 51-year career, Dr. Hagler earned a reputation for excellence in teaching, both as a popular instructor of undergraduate courses and as mentor/committee member to graduate students. With enthusiasm and kindness, he imparted not just knowledge but also a love of history to his students, leading to many student testimonials and accolades. His former student Bruce Marquis expressed his gratitude by establishing and funding the Hagler-Marquis History Scholarship. Dr. Hagler’s teaching has been recognized with numerous teaching awards. In addition to his teaching, he performed significant service to the department, college, and university; including service as assistant director of the Classic Learning Core program (1987-1990) and as associate chair of the Department of History (1990-1995, 2002-2005, 2006-2016).

Fred Hamilton
Professor Emeritus, Jazz Studies

Fred Hamilton joined UNT as an assistant professor in 1989 in the College of Music. He was tenured in 1995 and promoted to full professor in 2001. As the jazz guitar specialist in the highly acclaimed Division of Jazz Studies, Professor Hamilton recruited exceptionally talented students from all over the world. His teaching was consistently at the highest level, and in 1992 he was recognized with the 'Fessor Graham Award,’ which is awarded by the student body to professors who are judged on teaching excellence, unselfish service, and scholarly work. Professor Hamilton is nationally known for his pedagogical DVDs and his own jazz guitar playing can be heard on innumerable recordings. His career as a teacher and musician had an enormous impact on the education of UNT’s students and the international reputation of UNT’s Jazz Studies program. 

Paula Homer
Professor Emerita, Jazz Studies

Paula Homer joined UNT in 1992 as an associate professor in the College of Music. She was tenured in 1995 and promoted to professor in 2001. Professor Homer is known nationally as a creative, innovative opera director whose productions have been recognized with national awards. During her career, she was invited to stage operas for companies throughout the U.S. including the Orlando Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Amarillo Opera. While at UNT, she directed over 100 productions that entertained audiences throughout the Metroplex. Her productions of Argento’s Postcard from Morocco and Britten's Albert Herring received first place awards from the National Opera Association. In 2012, Dr. Homer and select opera students were invited to perform at the Annual Gala Concert of the Center for Contemporary Opera in New York City at the National Arts Club. This honor reflected the high quality of Professor Homer's work and the accomplishments of the student singers in the College of Music. In 2013, the College of Music named Professor Homer the first recipient of the Margot and Bill Winspear Endowed Chair for Opera Studies, a position she held until her retirement. 

James L. Marshall
Professor Emeritus, Chemistry

Dr. James Marshall joined UNT as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry in 1967. He was tenured in 1970 and promoted to professor in 1975. Dr. Marshall’s dedication to teaching is evident from his numerous teaching awards and his development of innovative introductory chemistry laboratory programs in the 1970s and 1990s. After a brief stint in industry in the 1980s, Dr. Marshall returned to UNT in 1987 to offer new experience in industry/academic liaisons, and he briefly served as chair of two departments - the Materials Characterization Group (the predecessor of the now Department of Materials Science and Engineering) and the Chemistry Department. Since the 1990s he was involved in the National Speakers program of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and delivered almost 100 lectures in this program. As a member of the ACS he earned the Outstanding Award of the History Division (2004), served as managing editor of The Southwest Retort (the ACS publication of the Southwest Region of the U.S.), and served on the advisory board of the ACS History Division. Dr. Marshall’s research spanned several disciplines, including Organic Chemistry, Materials Characterization, and Chemistry. He gained numerous grants supporting this research during the past 50 years. In 2011, Dr. Marshall was elected a Fellow of the ACS.

Alan McClung
Associate Professor Emeritus, Music Education

Dr. Alan McClung joined UNT as an assistant professor in 2002 in the College of Music. He was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2008. During his tenure at UNT, Dr. McClung built a vibrant Choral Music Education program that was admired by educators throughout the state and beyond. His research focused on the area of middle school choral music and was published in some of the discipline's most visible journals and presented at many national and state conferences. In addition to his research, Dr. McClung was a very active choral conductor, serving as an adjudicator and guest conductor at festivals and all-state events throughout the country. Of particular mention is the summer all-state program that he launched in 2006. Because of his efforts, hundreds of high school students come to UNT's campus each summer. This continues to serve as an important recruitment strategy both for the College of Music and UNT. 

Edward Soph
Professor Emeritus, Jazz Studies

Edward Soph joined UNT in 1988 as an assistant professor in the College of Music. He was tenured in 1996 and promoted to full professor in 2007. Throughout his 30-year career at UNT, he mentored countless numbers of jazz drummers, many of whom are considered to be elite jazz drummers in the field. His national profile as a percussionist was established not only through his recordings, but also through his reputation as a highly acclaimed pedagogue. As a result of his significant contributions to the field, Professor Soph was honored by the Jazz Education Network and inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Percussive Arts Society.

Sandra Spencer
Principal Lecturer Emerita, English

Dr. Sandra Spencer joined UNT in 1996 as a lecturer. She became director of the Women's Studies program in 2002 and was promoted to principal lecturer in 2009. Under her leadership, the Women’s Studies program became a major interdisciplinary player in the academic life of UNT students. Dr. Spencer led students on a number of study abroad experiences, including the first such experience for Women's Studies students at UNT in 2004. At that time, it was one of only nine programs nationally providing this opportunity. The extraordinary results in international and global education through her leadership of numerous study abroad programs were recognized in 2015 when UNT awarded her the Citation for Distinguished International Service. Her efforts earned her the recognition of finalist for the Mentor of the Year recognition program, sponsored by the Women of Visionary Influence (WOVI). At a national level, she was an active member of the National Women's Studies Association, the Denton Branch of the American Association of University Women, and Peacemakers Inc. Furthermore, she also served on the UNT Castleberry Peace Institute and Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Initiative boards.