I do feel we are in for a scary time for athletics whne a huge change in leadership comes like this.&nbsp; I am hoping I am pleasently surprised.<br /><br />Here is the e-mail sent out:<br /><br /><br />Dear MeanGreenHoops.com,<br /><br />This will be my first of many communications with you about the exciting progress at UNT. I am thrilled to be joining all of you who already know what a fine institution we have here in Denton.<br /><br />We owe a debt of gratitude to President Norval Pohl for seven years of commitment and service to the UNT community, as well as the residents of Texas. Dr. Pohl’s influence is keenly felt on campus and in the community, and I thank him for his leadership.<br /><br />As I look ahead to the fall, my calendar is already filling up with university events where I will have the opportunity to meet alumni and friends like you, as well as students, faculty and staff members. <br /><br />The Mean Green will begin the football season in Austin and then come home to take on SMU. That game should be the beginning of a friendly rivalry that we will look forward to in the seasons ahead. <br /><br />Also, Maya Angelou will visit campus for the second time this fall. And at Homecoming, we will welcome the Class of 1956 — the newest Golden Eagles — and all of our former students for a weekend of celebrating memories. <br /><br />I look forward to meeting you and am eager to learn what makes UNT special to each of you. What I am already learning about UNT is the wonderful balance that is maintained as we honor the environment, appreciate literature and the arts, apply science and technology to advance the quality of life, enjoy sports, and through it all, prepare our students for their future careers, as well as their lives as global citizens. <br /><br />UNT has many nationally recognized programs and has evolved from the small normal school founded 116 years ago to a dynamic, student-centered public research university. This is a new definition that fits our trajectory and fits the times. UNT continues to be a microcosm of our world. With students from 132 countries and 48 states as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico, we provide a diverse environment and inclusive climate.&nbsp; <br /><br />At UNT, we must continue using technology to enhance teaching and learning, establishing new research centers and graduate programs, providing our students with undergraduate research opportunities and collaborating with our communities and businesses to continually expand the definition of higher education. This ensures we will impact our students’ lives, participate in the formation of knowledge and contribute to the cultural and economic development of the region. <br /><br />It is a wonderful time to be in higher education and, in particular, to be leading UNT. I look forward to seeing and meeting many of you as the year progresses.<br /><br />Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to support UNT students and programs and our collective futures.<br /><br />Gretchen M. Bataille<br />President<br />University of North Texas<br />