DENTON (UNT), Texas — Teresa R. McKinney, with more than 20 years of leadership experience in academia, has been named the assistant vice president and director for diversity and inclusion at University of North Texas. Her efforts to foster inclusion and diversity while ensuring equity and access for students, faculty and staff who work and learn at UNT will be especially important as the university continues its commitment to fight against racism and bias, and creating social justice and equity.

McKinney, who began her position March 7 within UNT’s Division of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access, is responsible for developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to align workforce and key business initiatives with the university’s organizational effectiveness. She’ll work to develop a socially just and intentionally inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff through cultural humility and inclusion, education and identity development trainings, and community engagement and strategic partnerships such as UNT’s Equity and Diversity Conference, which takes place March 23, 2022.

“I’m so thrilled that Teresa has decided to return to UNT to help guide the important programs, training and services that we offer to support the university community,” said Joanne Woodard, vice president for inclusion, diversity, equity and access. “She’ll play an important role in helping to create a more understanding and caring campus and further our strides in enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion at UNT.”

McKinney most recently served as vice president for student services and enrollment management at Texas Southern University since 2019. Among her responsibilities, she oversaw the effective operation of Admissions, Auxiliary Services (Housing, Dining, Student Center, Bookstore), Financial Aid, Career Center, Disability Services, Food Pantry, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Pride Center, which she developed and launched.

She previously served as assistant vice president for student affairs, health and wellness at UNT, from 2013 to 2019. She also served as the division representative on the President’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board.

“Returning to UNT is like coming home,” McKinney said. “I’m very excited for this new opportunity and look forward to ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion are pillars of our institution, guiding our actions and commitment to creating centers of belonging and connectedness for everyone.”

 

ABOUT TERESA R. MCKINNEY

Teresa R. McKinney is a leader in academia with more than 20 years of leadership experience. For the last three years, McKinney has served at Texas Southern University in Houston as vice president for student services and enrollment management.

Previously, McKinney served as assistant vice president for student affairs, health and wellness in UNT’s Division of Student Affairs from 2013 to 2019. She was responsible for the effective operation and delivery of services to students and staff from Counseling and Testing Services, Assessment, Office of Disability Access, Pohl Recreation Center, Student Health and Wellness Center, and Student Money Management Center. She also served as an adjunct professor in the College of Education.

Prior to her time at UNT, she served in various roles across higher education including chief student affairs officer/dean of students, associate dean of students, assistant director of admissions and advising and assistant registrar.

McKinney earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Michigan State University and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from National Louis University. She also has earned several certifications including Equity Minded Leadership from the USC Race and Equity Center; Title IX from ATIXA; Organizational Change Management from Prosci; Certified Practitioner in Transformational Change Management and Service Excellence from Ouelette and Associates Institute; Innovation and Strategy, and Performance Assessment and Improvement for Higher Education from Harvard University; and Quality Service and Leadership Excellence from Disney.