DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Robert McInturf recently joined the University of North Texas as executive director of the UNT Alumni Association. He comes to UNT from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he was director of alumni relations and executive director of the UNCW Alumni Association.

McInturf said he hopes to capitalize on the university's growing academic reputation, entrepreneurial spirit and athletics success to build alumni engagement.

"Engaging alumni in the life of the university needs to be at the core of everything we do," he said. "We will work to create a culture where our alumni and our current students understand that their relationship with UNT does not end at commencement -- it is a lifelong relationship."

The UNT Alumni Association will also boost programs such as the UNT Young Professionals networking events and outreach efforts across the state, McInturf said.

Mark Miller ('70, '80 M.B.A.), president of the UNT Alumni Association Board of Directors, said McInturf will help the alumni association build its momentum of growth in membership and programs.

"Rob's leadership qualities and professional experience in alumni relations made him the ideal fit for us," Miller said. "Where we are, as an association, he has been, and he has a record of success in building relationships within both a university community and an alumni community."

McInturf has a bachelor's degree from the University of West Alabama and a master's degree from the University of Alabama. He previously worked for his alma mater the University of West Alabama as director of alumni affairs and interim director of marketing and communication.

The UNT Alumni Association is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The association is open to all former students, graduates and friends of UNT. For more information, visit untalumni.com.