Student Spotlight: Meet Keith

 

 

What attracted you to UNT?

What attracted me to UNT was that it was close to home but far enough for me to grow on my own, it offered my major when other schools I considered did not, and the diversity of the student body made it feel like a place I could belong.

What student organizations, programs, and activities are you involved in?

• National Society of Black Engineers – Executive Board
• ACCESS – Peer Mentor
• Management Leadership for Tomorrow – Technology Fellow
• College of Information – Mentorship Program

How has being involved helped you develop valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom?

During my 4 years at UNT, I was intentional about my involvement to prepare for success after graduation. I leveraged campus resources by serving on the NSBE executive board, using UNT’s mentorship programs, and attending national conferences with NSBE. Additionally, I participated in an external organization, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), as a Technology Fellow, where I received career coaching from my sophomore year through graduation. Through these experiences, I strengthened my leadership and networking skills, secured 3 internships, and earned scholarships that reduced the financial burden of earning my degree.

What advice would you give a student who is looking to make the most out of their college experience?

Getting involved in a professional organization like NSBE has helped me develop valuable skills far beyond the classroom. Through NSBE, I traveled nationally for conferences, built meaningful connections with professionals from Fortune 500 companies, earned scholarships that supported my path to graduation, and secured internship opportunities aligned with my career goals.

What do you like most about UNT?

What I like most about UNT is the sense of opportunity. Being on a diverse campus makes it easy to connect with people from different backgrounds, and UNT encourages students to go beyond the classroom through research, labs, and practical experiences in their fields.

If you could recommend students attend one campus activity or event, what would it be and why?

I’d recommend the Involvement Fair since it’s the easiest way to see what campus life has to offer in one spot. College is an opportunity to find what resonates with you, and the fair gives you the chance to experience different communities at UNT. By getting involved, I can confidently say I learned more about myself and what I want in life after graduation, so I’m glad I took the time to find spaces that really fit me.

Fun fact about you (interests, hobbies, hometown, passions, etc)?

I grew up in Grapevine, TX, and enjoy video games, animated shows, and music, with R&B as my favorite genre. Some of my favorite series include Hunter x Hunter, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Samurai Champloo. Along with those creative interests, a fun fact about me is that in my final semester at UNT I am learning how to build virtual reality experiences and games. Beyond hobbies, I am passionate about helping others recognize and reach their full potential, which I’ve pursued through roles like serving as an ACCESS Peer Mentor and previously as NSBE’s Academic Excellence Chair, where I supported peers in their professional and personal development.

What are your plans after graduating from UNT?

After graduating from UNT, I plan to pursue a career that blends technology with business and people. I like working on the technical side while also communicating with others about how systems should be used and improved. I also plan to continue my education through a master’s degree in Information Systems or Technology to deepen my understanding of both areas.

What is something you have learned at UNT that you will carry with you for life?

One lasting lesson from UNT is how to move with confidence in new situations. Balancing classes, leadership, and career development taught me how to adapt, learn quickly, and keep progressing. That approach to growth is something I will carry with me beyond college.