DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas will start a new professorship opportunity to bring city managers and other local government officials in to serve as mentors and educators in UNT’s Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program.
The George R. Schrader Professorship of Practice in Local Government — a first of its kind at UNT — was inspired by the late George R. Schrader, a pioneer of modern city management, who served as the tenth city manager of Dallas from 1972-81 and is widely regarded as the man who built Dallas during its “golden era.” During his tenure, Schrader planned, completed or set into motion a long list of improvements that helped turn Dallas into a world-class city, including Dallas City Hall, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Dallas Arts District, Reunion Tower, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the expansion of the Dallas Public Library.
In celebration of what would have been Schrader’s 90th birthday on Feb. 16, 2021, M.P.A. alumni — known for remaining committed to the program throughout their careers — are partnering with the university to raise funds for the innovative endowed professorship named to honor his life and legacy. The announcement was planned in celebration of what would have been Schrader’s 90th birthday on Feb. 16, 2021, but was delayed due to inclement weather.
“George R. Schrader was a ‘giant’ in the city management profession. He modeled the professionalism and integrity required of servant leadership, and his impact has been enormous,” said Mark McDaniel (’84, ’87 M.P.A.), City Manager of Kerrville, Texas. “As his friend and an alumnus of UNT’s M.P.A. program, I can think of no better way to honor both Mr. Schrader and the city management profession than to name an endowed professorship in his honor.”
UNT’s M.P.A. program — part of the university’s College of Health and Public Service — was established in 1961, and U.S. News & World Report ranks the program’s local government specialization as No. 7 in the nation and No. 1 in Texas. With strong specializations in city management, nonprofit management, public finance and human resources, the M.P.A. program prepares leaders to serve the community through careers that make a difference.
“UNT’s Master of Public Administration program has a long history of educating and equipping graduates for successful careers in municipal government,” UNT President Neal Smatresk said. “With support from alumni and donors, the George R. Schrader Professorship of Practice in Local Government will inspire the next generation of civil servants while honoring Mr. Schrader’s legacy.”
An initial lead gift for the George R. Schrader Professorship of Practice in Local Government has been received and others have been pledged. For information on the fundraising effort or to make a gift, please contact Eileen Moran, UNT Associate Vice President for Development, at eileen.moran@unt.edu or Mark McDaniel, City Manager of Kerrville Texas, at mark.mcdaniel@kerrvilletx.gov or visit one.unt.edu/george-schrader.