DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas Alumni Association has announced the recipients of its 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards, recognizing seven graduates for professional accomplishments, service to the university and community, and contributions to the Mean Green family.

The honorees will be recognized during a ceremony Friday, Nov. 6, at the UNT Gateway Center Ballroom as part of Homecoming Week.

The annual awards recognize alumni whose leadership, service and achievements have made an impact in their professions, communities and the university.

Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award, the Alumni Association's highest honor, recognizes graduates for professional achievement and significant contributions to society and UNT. This year's recipients are:

Vikas Sinha ('23 Ph.D.) is a global technology executive, innovator and philanthropist whose career spans more than 30 years in enterprise software, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation. As vice president of worldwide engineering and architecture for Broadcom’s Mainframe Software Division, he leads technology strategy for critical systems used by organizations around the world. Sinha earned his Ph.D. in information science from UNT in 2023, having previously earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from other institutions. Sinha and his wife, Anuradha, have been champions for student success at UNT through the establishment of the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science, the Sinha Innovation Lab for Data Science. Recently, they announced a gift that will transform the UNT College of Information into the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha College of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics.

Susan Gabbard ('70, '94 M.A.) has spent more than 45 years advancing art education as a teacher, administrator and national leader. After teaching art for 30 years, she served as director of visual and performing arts for Oklahoma City Public Schools and president of the National Art Education Association. Her honors include the Oklahoma Governor's Arts Award for Arts Education and the National Art Educator of the Year Award. She continues to support UNT through service on the College of Visual Arts and Design Board of Directors.

Troy Phillips ('69) is an attorney, entrepreneur and civic leader who began his leadership journey at UNT, serving as student body vice president and president. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army, earned a law degree from The University of Texas and built a legal career in Dallas. In 1991, he co-founded Glast Phillips Murray Zopolsky, a law firm that has grown to employ dozens of attorneys. A first-generation college graduate, Phillips credits UNT with helping shape his leadership abilities and professional success.

Dave Heacock ('88 M.B.A.) is a technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience in semiconductor development and business leadership. He helped build Benchmarq Microelectronics into a publicly traded company before serving in senior leadership roles at Texas Instruments, where he retired as senior vice president of the Silicon Valley Analog Group. He continues to support emerging technologies through startup leadership and board service and is a supporter of UNT's First in Business program for first-generation students.

Outstanding Alumni Service Award
The Outstanding Alumni Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service to UNT or their communities.

Erin Hogue ('99) is founder of See Forever Consulting and has more than 25 years of experience in retail strategy and business transformation. She serves on the UNT College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism Advancement Board. Along with her husband, she established an endowed scholarship supporting business students involved in fraternity and sorority life. Hogue also supports future generations through mentorship, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Ulys Knight Spirit Award
The Ulys Knight Spirit Award recognizes an individual or group for exceptional displays of UNT spirit.

Troy Wolf ('86, '93 M.S.) is a technical lead senior specialist with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and a longtime supporter of UNT. A two-time graduate, Wolf supports the university through philanthropy, leadership and involvement with UNT Athletics and the Diamond Eagles Society. He has established multiple scholarships in the College of Engineering in honor of fellow alumnus Gene H. Fuhrman ('86), as well as scholarships in his own name.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes recent graduates whose achievements have earned recognition from their peers and colleagues.

Phil Samson ('22 M.F.A.) is an interdisciplinary artist whose work connects art, science and innovation. After a career advising global clients in professional services, he earned a Master of Fine Arts from UNT in 2022. His work has received national recognition from the International Sculpture Center. Samson collaborates with researchers at UNT's BioDiscovery Institute to translate scientific concepts into visual experiences and create connections between art and research.

The Alumni Achievement Awards are among UNT's longstanding traditions, celebrating graduates whose accomplishments reflect the university's commitment to leadership, service and excellence.