UNT Dallas Receives Largest Private Donation Ever: $17 Million

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Photo of UNT Dallas campus and the Ryan Tower at night

Gift will support new team of Student Success Coaches

UNT Dallas has received the largest private donation in its history, $17 million, from the Commit Partnership, on behalf of the O’Donnell Foundation. Both are Dallas-based organizations dedicated to improving education and economic opportunity.

Photo portrait of UNT Dallas's Dr. Warren von Eschenbach, President

Dr. Warren von Eschenbach, President, UNT Dallas

The record-breaking contribution was announced at a special event on Oct. 6, 2025, at the Dallas Museum of Art. UNT Dallas President Warren von Eschenbach and several members of the university's cabinet attended the award presentation. 

“UNT Dallas accepts this generous and transformational gift, which is the largest in the university’s history, with deep gratitude and appreciation,” said the President. “It will support expanded classroom-to-career initiatives and ensure UNT Dallas students have access to the resources they need for a successful, purpose-driven, career-ready future.”

A photo close-up of one UNT Dallas female student wearing safety goggles, a translucent coat over her normal wardrobe with medical safety gloves holding a test-tube with a red liquid in one hand and in her other a long stem cotton swab. In the immediate background, but out of focus, is an other student examining something through a microscope dressed in the same way.

UNT Dallas students conducting experiments in a science lab

UNT Dallas will use a significant portion of the $17 million to establish a new team of Student Success Coaches, who will support students from admission through graduation, helping them navigate college and ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.

The coaches are one of several university-wide initiatives announced by President von Eschenbach at the start of the 2025-26 academic year. He said they will be “the connectors” between students and resources that help them thrive – and graduate fully prepared for a competitive, evolving workforce.

A close-up portrait photo of the late Edith and Peter O'Donnell standing outside in front of some trees and a pond (courtesy UT Southwestern)

The late Edith and Peter O'Donnell (photo courtesy UT Southwestern) 

The $17 million is part of a $50 million O'Donnell Foundation gift that also includes Dallas College, the University of Texas at Dallas, and Southern Methodist University, with the goal to expand opportunity and improve degree completion for Dallas County students. In conjunction with the O'Donnell Foundation’s investment of $60 million late last year to the Dallas County Promise, this collectively represents one of the largest philanthropic investments to grow postsecondary success in the history of our region and perhaps our state and country.

Dallas County Promise is an innovative, life-changing program that aims to send students in Dallas County to college tuition-free. The UNT Dallas-Dallas County Promise Scholarship covers the remaining balance on the full cost of tuition for up to four academic years or bachelor’s degree completion (whichever comes first) that is not covered by other grants, scholarships, exemptions, benefits, and/or waiver programs received by the student.

A photo of Sergio Barrera, a 2024 UNT Dallas School of Business Graduate, is among many Dallas County Promise recipients who attend UNT Dallas is on stage infant of a podium receiving an award from UNT Dallas's Dr. Kimberly Riddick

Sergio Barrera, a 2024 UNT Dallas School of Business Graduate, is among many Dallas County Promise recipients who attend UNT Dallas at a Trailblazer Elite Recognition Event is receiving an award from UNT Dallas's Dr. Kimberly Riddick, Director of Student Leadership and Success

“By aligning school districts, higher education institutions, philanthropy, and community partners, we can absolutely change the trajectory for Dallas students and our region," said Commit Partnership CEO Todd Williams. "These investments are not just in institutions—they represent investments in the lives of our young people who will fuel the future prosperity of North Texas." 

The late Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr founded the O’Donnell Foundation in 1957. Its primary mission was – and still is – to support educational institutions at all levels and strengthen math, arts and science programs throughout Texas. To date, the foundation has invested approximately one billion dollars in philanthropy.

 


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