The ribbon cutting for the Student Money Management Center, powered by DATCU

DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas celebrated a major step forward in student financial empowerment with the dedication of the Student Money Management Center, powered by DATCU, marking a partnership designed to help students build financial confidence, navigate real-time challenges and plan for long-term success.

Located in the UNT One Stop inside UNT’s Eagle Student Services Center, the center provides personalized financial coaching, workshops and practical resources focused on budgeting, credit, debt management and financial planning — meeting students where they are and supporting them throughout their academic journey.

“Financial literacy is essential for our students to help them unlock their full potential,” said UNT President Harrison Keller, Ph.D. “The Student Money Management Center powered by DATCU will be an invaluable resource to help students confidently navigate financial decisions. We are grateful for DATCU’s partnership to equip our UNT students for a lifetime of success.”

DATCU’s investment in the center reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to financial education and creating meaningful pathways to student success.

“We are excited to partner with UNT’s Student Money Management Center and provide financial literacy support to help students succeed,” said Melanie Vest ('04), president and CEO at DATCU who earned her bachelor’s degree at UNT. “The center’s mission to give students real-time solutions for their current financial needs aligns with how we serve our community. This is very much an extension of who we are as a credit union.”

The Student Money Management Center, Powered by DATCU, serves as a vital support system for UNT students, many of whom balance coursework with jobs, family responsibilities and financial pressures. Through one-on-one guidance and accessible programming, the center helps students make informed financial decisions that support career readiness.

“Being a Money Mentor at UNT’s Student Money Management Center has given me responsibility and the chance to help other students navigate one of the most stressful parts of college life — their finances,” said Blake Cunningham, a senior studying financial planning. “With partnerships like the one with DATCU, the Center can reach even more students, giving them the knowledge and confidence to build financial security for the future.”

The dedication ceremony brought together university leadership, community partners and special guests to recognize the impact of this collaboration and highlight the center’s role in strengthening students’ financial foundations.

Through partnerships like this, UNT continues advancing its commitment to student success, ensuring learners have not only academic support but the practical tools they need to thrive during college and beyond.

“As a UNT alumna, I am always thrilled to collaborate with the university when it comes to providing beneficial student services,” Vest said. “Learning how to handle money when times are tough and when planning a successful career is an essential part of every degree program, and I’m glad DATCU can help this program serve more students.”