Friday, June 20, 2025
Most improved institution in overall evaluation from last year
The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) scored highest in the just-released
2024 Texas University Report Card, an annual evaluation of Texas public universities by the educational organization
ScholarShot.
The ScholarShot Award UNT Dallas Received As Part of the 2024 Texas University Report Card
Not only did UNT Dallas tie for first place, but the university was also singled out as “most improved” from last year’s Report Card.
“UNT Dallas exceptionally proud of our standing in the latest ScholarShot Texas University Report Card,” said Dr. Warren von Eschenbach, UNT Dallas President. “It reflects the university’s commitment to academic rigor, unparalleled student support and our dedicated, hands-on faculty and staff.”
The Report Card is based on survey results from multiple universities across the state
that provided data requested by ScholarShot. Institutions must opt-in to be included
in the survey. In 2024, eight universities statewide agreed to participate, while many declined for various reasons. UNT Dallas
has enthusiastically participated since ScholarShot launched the Report Card in 2019.
President Warren von Eschenbach and Kim Chandler, Associate VP for Strategy and Effectiveness, Receive the 2024 Texas University Report Card Award from ScholarShot's Dan Hooper and Christina Etri
“UNT Dallas has made tremendous strides in programs and initiatives to support not only first-generation students, but all students,” said Dan Hooper, ScholarShot Founder and Executive Director. “The fact that this is the first year we did not have to curve the survey scores says all universities are improving, but UNT Dallas improved the most.”
About two-thirds of UNT Dallas students are the first-generation – the first in their families to attend or graduate college. The university prides itself on comprehensive wrap-around services and programs for first-gen students and others who need resources to navigate their college journey. One such program is Trailblazer Elite, which provides mentoring, tailored programming and teambuilding opportunities.
The Texas University Report Card evaluates colleges and universities in five categories: Student Outcomes, Community Support, Academic Engagement, Financial Management, and Student Services & Interventions. UNT Dallas scored 92, equivalent to an A-. UNT and UT Dallas also scored 92, resulting in a three-way tie for the best grade.
Here’s how UNT Dallas scored in the five categories:
- Student Outcomes: 80%
- Community Support: 100%
- Academic Engagement: 90%
- Financial Management: 90%
- Student Services & Interventions: 100%
Of the eight universities in the Report Card, UNT Dallas improved the most from the 2023 survey.
“The trajectory of UNT Dallas – and our students at the undergraduate and graduate
level – is impressive,” President von Eschenbach said. “It is the result of our focus
on high-quality programs and majors, a unique, close-knit learning and teaching environment,
and one-on-one attention, including tutoring and coaching, for all students.”
2025 graduate jennifer morales, who received support from ScholarShot and benefited from its resources
One such student is Jennifer Morales, a 2025 UNT Dallas graduate from Garland who earned a degree in Applied Arts and Sciences. Morales transferred to UNT Dallas after receiving her associate degree from Dallas College. “I had a friend who was in ScholarShot,” said Morales. “She told me about it when I was a high school senior, and I applied.”
Morales is the first in both her immediate and extended families to graduate from college. She and her parents are grateful. “They feel very proud,” Morales said about her mom and dad.
Throughout college, Morales always held a job, most recently working full-time as a nanny while she studied for her undergraduate degree. She said the financial support and personal advice she received from ScholarShot made the difference between earning a degree and entering the workforce without one. “They filled in the gaps,” Morales said, referring to the amount of money she made and the amount needed to pay for college. “My academic manager at ScholarShot was also very helpful.”
Morales’ career goal is to become a public-school educator, teaching kindergarten
and first grade students. She is currently progressing through the state teacher certification
process, which involves multiple exams. “I will always be thankful to ScholarShot
for their support and will definitely recommend it to other students I know,” Morales
said.
Trailblazer Elite (TBE) scholar Sergio Barrera hugs program director Dr. Kimberly Riddick at the TBE 5th Anniversary Celebration
ScholarShot’s mission is to assist first-generation students earn career-ready certificates or college degrees, improve institutional outcomes and strengthen the Texas workforce. It was formed in 2009 by business professionals, educators and community volunteers who believed many college advisement and access programs were failing to guide at-risk students in the best direction and to the most appropriate colleges and universities. Since then, ScholarShot has developed a proven model of academic exploration, personal guidance and financial support that has shown great success for students.
“Very often, students receive misleading and inaccurate information from high school
counselors and advisors – bad advice,” Hooper said. “In our conversations with hundreds
of students each year, we open their eyes to the reality of costs, guide them through
a potential academic path to a degree, and ensure they made a fully-informed decision
about where and how to pursue a degree or certificate.” ScholarShot encourages high
school students to download the GapApp as an additional tool in the college decision-making process.
Students and faculty battle on the soccer field in a friendly competition that forms bonds outside the classroom
In Texas, nine out of 10 at-risk students who get into college drop out, often because the institution is not the right fit, does not provide necessary support or the academic and financial expectations are too difficult. ScholarShot’s formula reverses the typical outcome, with 90% of its Scholars succeeding in earning life-changing degrees. “It made a big difference in my college journey and my life,” Morales said.
Her experience and that of others who benefit from ScholarShot’s generosity and expertise prove that with the right fit, the right academic programs, and the right resources, the right outcome is attainable – even for students who think it’s impossible.
From UNT Dallas News – The ScholarShot Award