The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Advisory Board comprises of dedicated alumni, parents, and friends of the University of North Texas (UNT) who serve as stewards and advocates for the college.

Five new members recently joined the CLASS Advisory Board to start the 2023 fiscal year. Jim Meernik, Interim Executive Dean welcomed Mr. Brian Briscoe '78, Mr. J. Lilly '98, Mr. Ron Lynch '92, '00, Mr. Pat Smith, and Ms. Sarina Davidson '19. They join a group of alumni whose mission is to provide guidance and support to CLASS in its undertaking of transforming the lives of its students, advancing the boundaries of knowledge through its faculty, and supporting the college's strategic plan.

"Our board members are accomplished professionals in government, business, education, and the arts with a shared commitment to higher education", said Meernik. "Their role will benefit CLASS through its strategic plan which will contribute to the college's future."

Newly chosen chair, Lynch is a UNT alum who earned his Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He has had a twenty-plus year career in Human Resources with experience in an array of companies that include Johnson & Johnson, 7-Eleven, and Sonic. Currently, Ron is the VP of Human Resources Operations for The Certified Group which is focused on lab testing to ensure the food supply is safe as well as testing various consumer products. He specializes in Human Resource systems and technology along with benefits and rewards. Ron is a sixth-generation Texan, is married, and has two children.

"The CLASS Advisory Board continues to build momentum toward our shared goals of serving the alum, faculty and current students in various CLASS departments", said Lynch. "The new members we are welcoming bring a wealth of skills and experience that will be instrumental in our success in achieving those goals."

Over the past five years, the CLASS Advisory Board has awarded over $30k to CLASS faculty attributed to their academic work.

To get involved with the CLASS Advisory Board, contact Trey Smith, trey.smith@unt.edu, 940-369-5213.

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