Bob Mong announced that he will retire as president of The University of North Texas at Dallas at the end of July 2024. He has led the university for nine years.

UNT Dallas is known as one of the most affordable public universities in Dallas-Fort Worth and is the only public, four-year university in the city of Dallas.

Mong joined the university in 2015 following a distinguished journalism career, during which he ascended to editor-in-chief of The Dallas Morning News.

“It goes without saying, the experience has been an honor and a privilege of the highest order of public service,” Mong said in a statement. “In life, there is a time for everything, and this is the right time for me to prepare for a new passage.”

Empowering upward mobility

UNT Dallas President Bob Mong [Photo: UNT Dallas]

UNT System Chancellor Dr. Michael R. Williams called Mong a pioneering and steadfast leader.

“President Mong’s commitment to excellence in education and community engagement has had a profound impact in the community,” Williams said in a statement. “Please join me in thanking President Mong for his service and unyielding dedication to UNT Dallas and its students, families, and communities. The progress he has made and the challenges he has overcome will leave a lasting legacy.”

Under Mong’s leadership, UNT Dallas grew in size and scope at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Enrollment increased and funding by the legislature expanded significantly.

UNT Dallas said it strengthened its commitment to academic rigor during Mong’s tenure, improved the recruitment of faculty and staff, and added buildings and research capabilities.

The university said it also boosted its commitment to community service, while refining its image and reputation.

“Since my first day, the university’s mission to empower upward economic mobility and be a symbol of hope for communities we serve has inspired me,” Mong said.

UNT Dallas President Bob Mong [Photo: UNT Dallas]

Growth and increased relevance ‘a team effort’

UNT Dallas said its most recent achievements include breaking ground in September on a state-of-the-art STEM building and a new regional law enforcement training facility that will be formally announced next month.

Both will have a transformational effect on the institution, the university noted, creating pathways for careers in high-demand healthcare and public safety professions.

“It’s been a great honor to lead the university through this period of growth and increased relevance. It has numerous active initiatives, and I want to assure our internal and external partners that UNT Dallas’ commitment and support will carry forward after I have left. This always has been a team effort,” Mong said.

UNT Dallas President Bob Mong [Photo: UNT Dallas]

UNT Dallas has been ranked as the highest-rated public university in North Texas by Money Magazine, as the only college in the region to receive 4.5 out of 5 stars in its Best Colleges in America evaluation. UNT Dallas includes the UNT Dallas College of Law (accredited by the American Bar Association) in downtown Dallas and is part of the University of North Texas System.

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