Friday, May 15, 2026
DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas has received a transformative $1.65 million estate gift from alumna Deborah Watkins to establish the Joey Sloan Endowed Chamber Quintet in the College of Music, creating lasting support for student musicians and honoring a shared love of music.
The endowment will provide full tuition and fee scholarships for five students participating in the Joey Sloan Chamber Quintet, ensuring that talented musicians can fully dedicate themselves to their craft while pursuing their degrees.
Watkins, who earned both her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s degree in economic research from UNT, made the gift in memory of Joey Sloan, a musician and educator who shared her passion for orchestral music.
“UNT’s College of Music exemplifies our commitment to unlock students’ potential through transformative learning experiences together with other talented students and our world-class faculty,” said UNT President Harrison Keller. “Deborah’s generous gift ensures that deserving students will be able to focus on developing their talents as musicians and pursuing their professional futures without financial barriers.”
Watkins made the gift in memory of Joey Sloan, a musician and educator who shared her passion for orchestral music.
Watkins’ connection to music has been lifelong. A violist herself, she shared a love of orchestral performance with Sloan, who played double bass and spent many years teaching high school orchestra. Her gift honors that shared history while opening doors for future generations of musicians.
“Deborah’s investment in our chamber music program is, at once, visionary, heartfelt, and incredibly thoughtful,” said Dr. John W. Richmond, dean of the UNT College of Music. “Chamber music study is a powerful catalyst of musical decision-making for any serious music student. It requires preparation, collaboration, discipline and artistry at the highest level. Through this extraordinary endowment, students will have the support they need to immerse themselves in this practice and reach their fullest potential.”
In addition to the estate commitment, Watkins has also made a $50,000 current-use gift to begin supporting the quintet immediately.
The Joey Sloan Endowed Chamber Quintet will strengthen UNT’s nationally recognized College of Music while expanding access for students pursuing excellence in performance.
“At UNT, philanthropy empowers students to take their talent to new heights,” said Brandon Buzbee, vice president for university advancement. “Deborah has taken something meaningful in her own life and turned it into an opportunity for students — one that will exist long into the future. It’s a powerful example of how philanthropy at UNT directly shapes what students are able to experience and achieve.”
From UNT News