UNT selects interim presidents of Dallas, Health Science Center campuses as sole finalists
The University of North Texas System Board of Regents unanimously voted to select interim presidents as sole candidates for the UNT Dallas and UNT Health Science Center Presidents campuses on Friday.
The decision came at a specially called meeting where the nine regents met to discuss possible action regarding Warren von Eschenbach, UNT Dallas Interim President, and Dr. Kirk Calhoun, UNTHSC Interim President.
Von Eschenbach was appointed Interim President of UNT Dallas in April 2024 after serving as UNT System Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Since moving into the position, von Eschenbach launched the university’s first Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning and has focused on growing enrollment, advancing student success, and strengthening community impact, according to a news release.
“We are pleased to have selected two exceptional sole finalists for UNT Dallas and UNT Health Science Center,” said Board of Regents Chair Laura Wright. “Both have provided sturdy leadership as interim presidents, demonstrating a deep commitment to student success and a clear vision for the future of their institutions. The Board is confident in their ability to advance the mission and impact of these universities.”
Calhoun began his tenure as interim president on Feb. 1, when he took over the post following Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams’ resignation.
Trent-Adams was paid $560,000 by the university in return for her voluntary resignation without giving a reason for her departure.
Her resignation from the Health Science Center followed a September 2024 NBC News report, which found that the graduate school was sourcing unclaimed bodies from Tarrant and Dallas counties and used them for medical research. NBC News found that the Fort Worth graduate school had used more than 2,000 unclaimed bodies for research and sale around the country since 2019.
In addition to suspending the Willed Body Program, the graduate school terminated program leadership in 2024.
Before coming to UNTHSC, Calhoun retired as President of the University of Texas at Tyler in May 2024. He has over 30 years of experience in academic medicine, clinical practice and university leadership, according to a news release.
“Warren von Eschenbach and Kirk Calhoun are values-based leaders who have served a pivotal role in leading UNT Dallas and UNT Health Science Center,” said Chancellor Dr. Michael R. Williams. “There is no doubt that they will continue to serve with distinction by fostering academic excellence in innovation, furthering the mission of our institutions, and serving the students and communities entrusted to our care.”