University of North Texas 
University of North Texas senior Dontrell Mitchell received the honor of Greek Member of the Year during UNT’s Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life’s annual Greek Awards ceremony. The Theta Chi fraternity brother is the sole recipient of the award, recognized for his service, leadership and commitment to his fraternity and the wider campus community.
From the Middle East to the Classroom
Mitchell’s path to this recognition is anything but traditional. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army while still in high school. After graduation, he completed basic training and was deployed overseas, serving in Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan. While deployed, he began taking UNT online courses, completing his freshman year by 2022. The following year, he enrolled as a full-time student on campus.
Balancing the transition to student life has come with challenges. With a 40-minute commute to campus, financial considerations weighed heavily on his mind, especially when it came to joining a fraternity. However, the return on investment, he says, was more than he could have imagined.
“I was hesitant to join because of the cost,” Mitchell said. “But I looked into what fraternity life had to offer, like the leadership opportunities, and decided to try. What I’ve received is ten times what I put in financially.”
Leadership Through Brotherhood
As a member of Theta Chi, Mitchell leans into the organization’s values of service, scholarship and leadership. He plays an active role in the chapter’s philanthropy efforts and supports rush and pledge recruitment. He’s also involved in the fraternity’s Resolute Man program, a national initiative that helps brothers develop leadership skills, professional competencies and personal integrity.
Through the network of Theta Chi alumni, he traveled to Washington, D.C. for a leadership experience that aligned perfectly with his interests in politics and law. The alumni network introduced him to the area and opportunities as well as established connections with fellow Theta Chi brothers and professional mentors.
Mitchell not only serves within his UNT Theta Chi chapter, he is actively involved on campus through organizations such as the National Black Law Students Association, Phi Alpha Delta and the university’s ROTC program. He does all of those while also working as a paralegal off campus.
Building a Community That Lasts
Despite his busy schedule, Mitchell says fraternity life helped him feel connected to campus and offered something deeper than leadership or networking.
“If it weren’t for my fraternity, I wouldn’t be part of the community at all,” he said. “Being part of fraternity life makes my college experience something memorable.”
For Mitchell, fraternity life offered a second family. “It really is about lifelong friendships. You always have somebody. I would think, ‘Oh, I’m not alone, I have a new family, an extra family.’”
A Legacy of Leadership
Mitchell graduates this semester with a degree in International Studies, focused on security and diplomacy, and prelaw. He plans to begin law school in the fall. As he prepares for graduation, Mitchell hopes his example inspires the next generation of fraternity leaders.
“I hope they look up to the seniors as role models,” he said. “I hope that they see and learn from how we manage our time and grades, and see that it’s a possibility for them as well.”
Mitchell’s advice to students considering fraternity or sorority life? “Don’t overthink it. If they feel like friends, they probably are. I 100% developed lifelong friends.”
About the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life
UNT's Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life offers four councils consisting of 37 fraternities and sororities. Fraternity and Sorority Life is about finding your place and your people. It’s where lifelong friendships are formed, academics supported, and personal growth encouraged. You’ll build strong connections and be part of a community that gives back and lifts each other up. Click here for CFSL information and programs.