DENTON (UNT), Texas — Ethan Gillis, a senior at the University of North Texas, recently was appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as the student regent on the UNT System Board of Regents.

He will serve a one-year term through May 31, 2025. Gillis will represent the interests of all students within the UNT System while attending and participating in UNTS Board of Regents business and meetings.

“I congratulate Ethan Gillis on his appointment as student regent and I look forward to working with him as part of our board during the next year,” said UNT System Chancellor Michael R. Williams. “The role of the student regent is both a profound responsibility and a distinct honor, and will provide Ethan the unique opportunity to amplify student voices and contribute meaningfully to the governance of our entire System.”

Gillis is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Brand Strategy with a minor in journalism and psychology and a certificate in event management at UNT. Applications for student regent are annually solicited through the student government and forwarded to the governor by the chancellor for final appointment. The student regent position is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at any institution within a university system.

“On behalf of our Board of Regents, we congratulate Ethan on such an incredible achievement,” said Laura Wright, Board Chair. “We are excited to work with Ethan and have his input on how we can continue to make our system a leader in higher education for all of our students.”

Gillis has had several leadership roles at UNT such as director of the Student Alumni Association and senator for the Student Government Association. He also has been honored with the Golden Eagle Award at UNT. Active in the Denton community, he serves on the Denton Historic Landmark Commission and volunteers with the Denton Public Library. With a deep connection to UNT through his mother — who also attended UNT — he aims to enhance student awareness of the UNT System and is committed to serving and representing his peers.

“I am incredibly excited regarding this opportunity. It is the honor of a lifetime to be appointed to this role and to have the opportunity to serve students across our System,” Gillis said. “I look to ensure that students across the UNT System feel seen, heard and valued. My goal is to do everything in my power to make sure that the voices of these students find their way to the Board of Regents.”

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About the University of North Texas

Ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification and designated a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, UNT is the flagship of the UNT System and is located in Denton. Boasting 250 degree programs and a thriving community of nearly 47,000 students, UNT serves the North Texas region and helps drive the state’s economy through innovative research, educational excellence focused on career readiness, and a spirit of entrepreneurship. Together, with its branch campus in Frisco, UNT students earned more than 12,000 degrees last year.

The UNT community is guided by five shared values — Courageous Integrity, Be Curious, We Care, Better Together and Show Your Fire. Learn more about our values.

About the University of North Texas System

Driven by curiosity, caring for our community, respect for all and passion in all we do, the University of North Texas System (UNT System) proudly stands as a distinctive educational cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Our institutions inspire courageous discovery that empowers our students, campuses, and communities to pursue a brighter vision for tomorrow. The UNT System serves nearly 50,000 students at UNT campuses in Denton and Frisco, UNT Dallas in south Dallas, and the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth.