Denton (WBAP/KLIF News) – The chancellor of the University of North Texas system has announced plans to retire by the end of 2017. Lee Jackson became chancellor in 2002 and had previously served as Dallas County Judge.
The UNT system added a third campus and grew to 43,000 students during Jackson’s tenure. The system says the four year graduation rate has increased from 13 percent to 29 percent.
In 2001, the UNT system awarded 4,968 degrees. In 2015, 9,200 degrees were awarded.
“It used to be just assumed that students would study whatever they wanted, but they would really start applying it until they went to work,” Jackson says. “I think that model has changed a lot, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Jackson says the system has worked to establish better relationships with employers who give students internships and practical experience.
“We have both an opportunity and a challenge,” he says. “We have high expectations. I’d like us to go from 20 or 30 percent kids with internships or career experience to 100 percent.”
UNT Dallas opened during Jackson’s tenure, along with a teaching center in Frisco.
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