Welcome to the UNT College of Applied & Collaborative Studies News Center, your go-to source for the latest updates and stories from our vibrant community. Explore our newsletters for insights into student achievements and faculty highlights, check out upcoming events that foster collaboration and learning, and stay informed with news articles covering student highlights, alumni achievements, industry partner collaborations, and general updates on what our students are doing in and outside the classroom.

State Farm Onboarding Excellence Kickoff

02/06/2025
APDA students Angel Early and Krystal Pruitt kicked off their project focused on improving the onboarding process at Mike Bergman’s State Farm agency. During the initial presentation, they outlined their plan to develop a structured 4-week training program designed to enhance new hire readiness and engagement. Their research will include expert interviews and competitor analysis to create an effective onboarding framework. This kickoff marks the beginning of their efforts to streamline employee integration and improve overall efficiency.

No and Low Alcohol Market Trends for Southern Glazer’s

02/05/2025
APDA students kicked off their research project in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits to analyze the growing popularity of no and low-alcohol beverages. The project aims to determine whether this shift represents a lasting market change or a temporary trend. Through a comprehensive SWOT analysis, gap analysis, and industry research, the team will develop a white paper with key insights and strategic recommendations. Their findings will help Southern Glazer’s navigate this evolving landscape and refine its market approach.

Capstone 2025 Kickoff

02/04/2025
Andrea, the founder of Odyssey Ceramics and an APDA student, is on a journey to refine the art of handmade ceramics. After launching her first collection at local Texas markets, she is now focused on optimizing her workspace and production processes to enhance efficiency and craftsmanship. Her capstone project aims to reduce physical strain and streamline the creation of Odyssey’s signature ceramic mugs. Stay tuned as she transforms her workspace for a more seamless creative process!

APDA Students Kick Off Excelsior Dynamic Client Engagement Project

02/03/2025
APDA Year 2 students launched their capstone project in partnership with litigation finance firm Excelsior Dynamic, focusing on enhancing client retention and engagement. The project aims to analyze client experiences before and after retaining services through surveys, data visualizations, and AI-driven sentiment analysis. By identifying key trends and providing actionable recommendations, the team seeks to refine communication strategies and improve client support. This kickoff marks the beginning of their efforts to help Excelsior Dynamic optimize service delivery and build lasting trust with clients.

Two generations, one remarkable achievement

12/14/2024
A mother and daughter proudly graduating together with their Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences. This incredible milestone showcases the power of determination, love, and unwavering support—proving that with dedication, anything is possible. Here's to this unstoppable duo and the bright future ahead!

APDA Year 2 Status Update with Excelsior Dynamic

11/07/2024

The APDA Year 2 team recently held a status update meeting with their project partner, Excelsior Dynamic, where they presented a custom-designed customer satisfaction survey tailored to the specific needs of Excelsior Dynamic's clients.

The team has been diligently working on designing survey questions, refining the visual layout, and aligning on key timelines. During the meeting, they collaborated with the Excelsior Dynamic team to review next steps and finalize plans for the survey’s release during Fall Break.

The insights gathered from this survey will be crucial in enhancing client satisfaction and guiding future decisions. Stay tuned for more updates as the team continues to progress toward the survey’s launch!

 

Alumni Event: A Homecoming to Remember

10/23/2024

We were thrilled to welcome our alumni back home to the new campus in Frisco for a special celebration! Alumni from all years came together to experience our vibrant, state-of-the-art facilities, reunite with former classmates, and meet the leadership driving the college's exciting future. Guests had the opportunity to learn about current programs, explore the new building through guided tours, and rediscover what makes our college a place of lifelong connection and growth.

It was an unforgettable day of reconnecting with old friends, discovering new opportunities, and celebrating the continued success of our alumni community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event a memorable homecoming! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

 

Study Abroad: Applied Design and Global Markets in the Netherlands

10/04/2024

Join our Department of Multidisciplinary Innovation (DMI) faculty for an exciting study abroad opportunity in Applied Design and Global Markets (AMDS 4900: Special Problems) for Summer 2025. This program is designed for students interested in the history of Bauhaus and the integration of design with leading international companies. It addresses the complex global challenges faced by governments, NGOs, and industries, showcasing how multidisciplinary, multinational teams can link creativity and innovation. Investigate both historical and contemporary European design, focusing on Amsterdam's and the Bauhaus's contributions, while examining the interplay between social, technological, environmental, economic, ethical, and political forces.

Academics:

  • 3 credit hours
  • No prerequisites
  • No language requirements
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 required

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
  • Depart: May 30, 2025
  • Return: June 14, 2025

Cost: $TBD at the in-state undergraduate tuition rate, which includes UNT tuition and fees, application fee, housing, some meals, excursions, and local transportation to program locations. Additional expenses may include airfare, passport, visa, some meals, and course materials. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

Contact:

Embark on this transformative experience and expand your understanding of design on a global scale!

 

Project Design & Analysis (PDA) Students Partner with Serve Denton on Rural Communities Project

10/02/2024

Students in the Project Design & Analysis (PDA) program recently conducted a site visit as part of their ongoing semester-long project in collaboration with Serve Denton. The project focuses on the unique challenges rural communities face in providing essential services to those in need. Over the course of the semester, students are working to design a sustainable model that addresses these needs in innovative ways, with the goal of completing the project within 18 months and under a $1 million budget. This hands-on initiative gives students the opportunity to apply their skills to a real-world challenge while supporting Serve Denton in enhancing service delivery in underserved rural areas.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses

 

Enology & Brewing Spring 2025 Courses

09/30/2024

CACS 4980: Experimental Course: Principles of Viticulture
This course introduces the basic principles underlying the cultivation, growing, and harvesting of grapes for wine production. Students will learn about the fundamentals of malt production, storage, and roasting for beer production. The course also covers different types of malts, the significance of varying malt biochemical compositions, styles of malt roasting, and current industry trends.
Schedule: Fridays, 2:00 PM - 4:50 PM at Frisco Landing

 

SPDA 4980: Experimental Course: Principles of Brewing
Explore the essential principles of beer manufacturing, including the history and development of the beer industry. This course delves into factors affecting beer quality and brewing operations, covering malting, fermentation, beer spoilage, maturation, and packaging.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Frisco Landing

 

HMGT 4300: Survey of Beverages in the Hospitality Industry
A study of social beverages commonly used in the hospitality industry, this course places primary emphasis on the history, language, product identification, production, and merchandising techniques for wines, beers, distilled spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Prerequisite: Students must be 21 years of age or older.
Schedule: Tuesdays, 2:30 PM - 5:20 PM at Frisco Landing

 

Embark on an enriching journey into the world of viticulture and brewing this Spring 2025!

 

APDA Year 1 Team Kickoff Meeting with Cassaro Wines

09/19/2024
This year, the first-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Project Design and Analysis (APDA) program embarked on a semester project sponsored by Cassaro Wines. The project focuses on enhancing the customer experience in Cassaro Wines' tasting room, with the goal of identifying innovative ways to create an engaging and memorable customer journey. By improving the experience, the team aims to help Cassaro Wines increase wine club memberships and overall profitability. During the kickoff meeting on September 19th at UNT at Frisco, students presented the project scope, deliverables, and key milestones to Cassaro Wines representatives, including Mr. John Matthews, founding manager and president of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, and Mr. Michael Matthews, current manager of the winery.

 

APDA Year 2 Team Kickoff Meeting with Excelsior Dynamic

09/12/2024
The Year 2 team of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Project Design and Analysis (APDA) program recently presented their kickoff meeting to UNT faculty and their project partner, Excelsior Dynamic, a finance litigation firm specializing in funding various legal cases. This semester, the team will explore survey platforms and methodologies, focusing on Excelsior Dynamic's key clientele. By the end of the project, they aim to design a comprehensive customer satisfaction survey, distribute it to clients, and analyze feedback on the firm's current client processes to identify areas of strength and improvement.