Darryl Glenn Thornton        - graduated 1986

My name is Darryl G. Thornton and I graduated in 1986 with a BS in Criminal Justice. I believe I may have been the first African American police officer at UNT in 1984. I was also promoted to the rank of Corporal which I believe was also a first. I went on to join the FBI as a Special Agent in 1986. The Chief of Police at the time I was a policeman was Dan Martin who reported to Mr. Fred Pole.

 

 

Von Gretchen Shepard        - attended 1969

My name is Von Gretchen Shepard, and in 1969, I became the first Black majorette for the University of North Texas.

 

 

Ronald Henry High        - graduated 1971

I was the founder of the Society for the Promotion of Black Music and Musicians in 1971. I organized and coordinated the first ever black music week that featured panel discussions, concerts, and other forums.

I was the only African-American student to finish cum laude in the class of December 1971; I marched in May 1972.

I was the only black male opera coach and teaching assistant in piano in the School of Music during the years that I attended North Texas as a post-bachelor's student(1972-'73).

I was one of two black males in Blue Key Honor Society and the only black male in Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society.

 

 

Ella Goode Johnson        - attended 1967-1971

Ella Goode Johnson, the first African American Vice President of Pan-Hellenic 1970

Ella Goode Johnson, the first African American recipient of UNT Green Glory Award 1996

Ella Goode Johnson has served as undergraduate advisor to UNT Delta campus since 1972 (uninterrupted volunteer service) lending much to its growth and stability

 

 

Susie Deloris Square        - graduated 1974

Susie D. Square elected first African American President of The Panhellenic Association (9 white sororities and 2 black sororities). 1973

 

 

John H. Mason        - graduated 1978

1970 - John H. Mason First African American to become a part of the Business Office Staff. As far as I know no African Americans had ever been hired as a full time employee to work in the business office. I worked from 1970 to 1978 in various position in the business office and until I obtain my degree.

 

 

Billy J. Ratcliff        - graduated 1969

Billy J. Ratcliff and Jimmy Palmer were the first African American Students elected to the Student Senate