UNT Economics Alumni Advisory Council

Our Mission

The mission of Econ AAC is to strengthen the engagement of UNT's Department of Economics, by focusing its energies, services and programs on fostering a community of alumni, friends, staff and students who are well-informed through Econ AAC; who respect the priorities and issues inherent in their ongoing association with the Department of Economics and the broader UNT network; and who seek to support the department through the commitment of resources, leadership, expertise, volunteer involvement and the celebration of the people and place that is the University of North Texas.

Board

UNT Alumni Association Board of Directors

Jeff in Green Wall

Advisor: Jeffrey Rous, Chair of Economics Department

 
Executive Committee

 

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Chair: Richard Johnson ('2016)
BS Economics
Associate Economist, Glassdoor

Oversee all Econ AAC operations, ensuring that the organization's direction and programs are directly aligned with UNT's Alumni Association, Econ AAC members, and alumni members. The Chair will also serve as a liaison to the Department of Economics, working with the Econ AAC Adviser and Economics Committee members to address any concerns, inquiries and help further the organization's core mission.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn

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Marketing and Communications Chair: Vicki Oppenheim ('2022)
MS Economics

Manage alumni member engagement and distribute promotional material about upcoming events and ensure up-to-date Econ AAC website.

Connect with Vicki on LinkedIn

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Community and Alumni Engagement Chair: Alyceson-Grace Eke ('2019)
BBA Economics
Self-Employed, THE ECON Queen

The Community & Alumni Engagement Chair is dedicated to strengthening the bridge between alumni, students, and faculty, leading outreach and programming efforts that foster meaningful connections, cultivate mentorship opportunities, and enhance the overall alumni experience.

Connect with Alyceson-Grace on LinkedIn

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Finance & Strategic Operations Chair: Reannan McDaniel
BS Economics
Director of Supply Chain and Logistics

The Chair of Finance & Strategic Operations plays a vital role in shaping the long-term sustainability of the organization. This includes leading financial planning, budgeting, and fundraising efforts to support ongoing initiatives. They work closely with alumni, donors, faculty, and university leadership to drive strategic financial decisions that align with the organization's mission and goals.

Connect with Reannan on LinkedIn

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Project Coordinator: Sharla Baker

Assists with organizing and communicating details of upcoming AAC projects and Alumni Association related events and serves as an interface between the Department of Economics and the Alumni Advisory Council on matters related to financial expenditures, budgeting and scheduling.

Connect with Sharla on LinkedIn

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Student Affairs Advisory Delegate: Will Higdon, BS Economics Student

The Student Affairs Advisory Delegate serves as the primary representative of undergraduate student interests, providing valuable feedback, insights, and recommendations to both the Economics Alumni Advisory Council and the Department of Economics. They help strengthen the connection between students and alumni, fostering greater continuity, engagement, and a tighter feedback loop within the UNT Economics community.

Connect with Will on LinkedIn

Former Chairs

Treasurer: Ashley Hanisko ('2006, '2009)
BS Economics, MS Economics

Year Served: 2022 - 2024

A special thanks to Ashley Hanisko for her dedicated stewardship as Treasurer ensuring financial transparency, effective budgeting, and strategic fundraising, all of which helped sustain and grow our initiatives.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

 Community and Alumni Engagement Chair: Zachary Mullins ('2019)
BA Economics and BBA FinanceCommunity

Year Served: 2023 - 2024

A special thanks to Zachary Mullins, as Community & Alumni Engagement Chair for his leadership in helping organize events, fostering alumni connections, and expanding outreach has strengthened our network and deepened alumni involvement.

Connect with Zachary on LinkedIn