University of North Texas

University of North Texas was founded in 1890 as Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute by Joshua C. Chilton. The institution struggled financially in its early years but was revived by the Denton community. In 1899, it became North Texas State Normal College and received state funding. The college became North Texas State Teachers College in 1923, North Texas State College in 1949, and North Texas State University in 1961. The university adopted its current name, University of North Texas, in 1988. UNT has grown significantly, particularly in the 21st century with the expansion of research activities and the addition of doctoral programs. The university has been a leader in jazz education and music since the 1940s, establishing the first jazz studies degree program in the United States. UNT opened its Dallas campus in 2000 and its Frisco campus in 2019. The university has produced notable alumni including musicians Norah Jones, Roy Orbison, and Don Henley, as well as Pulitzer Prize winners and business leaders.