University of North Texas
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The University of North Texas is a recognized student-centered public research university where we harness the power of ideas through a culture of learning based on diverse viewpoints, interdisciplinary endeavors, creativity and disciplined excellence.

This is accomplished through a broad and balanced array of programs where well-prepared students and dedicated scholars and artists collaborate with our local and global communities in the creation, integration, application and dissemination of knowledge. In this way, UNT creates an enriched and sustainable future for our students, state, nation and world.

University of North Texas - All About UNT
Founded in 1890 by Joshua C. Chilton, UNT started as the Texas Normal College and Teacher Training Institute on the second floor of a hardware store on the town square in Denton. The university grew over the years and changed its name six times along the way, with each change reflecting the growth in size, complexity and educational breadth. The Texas Legislature approved the final change from North Texas State University to the University of North Texas in 1988.

Through the years, UNT has awarded more than 187,000 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. About 102,000 active alumni live in the Dallas- Fort Worth region.

Click here for more UNT history
Alumni Appreciation Day. For more than 30 years, the university and many academic departments have set aside a day to recognize successful and dedicated alumni, inviting them back to campus for special events.
Bonfire. The tradition to ward off evil football spirits by lighting a large bonfire the night before the game began in 1935.

Colors. After a heated campus debate in 1902, the students chose green and white as the official school colors. According to a 1932 article in the Campus Chat student newspaper, green proponents believed that Mother Nature is kind to those who wear her colors.

Eagle. In a 1922 campus election, students chose the eagle over the lion and the dragon as the mascot.

Homecoming parade. Teh annual freshman parade became part of Homecoming in 1927, although Homecoming itself wasn't associated with football until the mid-1930's. Upper-classmen later joined the tradition. The route has varied through the years but usually lops from campus to downtown Denton.

Honors Day. The first Honors Day, as it is currently practiced, began in 1951. Outstanding students, faculty and staff are recognized in an afternoon ceremony that often includes an outstanding alum as a guest speaker.
Lighting the clock tower green. After a UNT athletic team victory, special floodlights bathe the Hurley Administration Building's McConnell Twoer in a green light to signal the win to the campus and the community.
"Mean Green" moniker. The nickname dates from the late 1960's, when spontaneous chants for the football defense from the stands inspired the athletic department to refer to the "Mean Green Defensive Unit" in a press release.

Mean Green Village. IN the village - a growing tradition along with tailgating - various groups set up tents near Fouts Field before home football games. The pregame festivities include food, live music and an activities area for children.

School songs. Julia Smith, who played saxophone in the college band, composed the alma mater, which was adopted in 1922. Her tune written in 1919, "Glory to the Green and White," features lyrics written by Charles Langford. Alumnus Francis Stroup wrote the fight song in 1939 after the university held a fight song contest.

University Day celebration. First held in 1961, when North Texas State College became North Texas State University, this anniversary party each spring includes games, music and food