UNT Announces the 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards Recipients
The University of North Texas Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the prestigious Alumni Achievement Awards. These distinguished honorees will be honored at the annual awards ceremony held on UNT’s campus as part of the Homecoming Week festivities.
As one of the UNT’s most enduring traditions, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognize alumni whose accomplishments have left a meaningful mark on their professions, communities and the university. Through leadership, service and excellence, these honorees embody the highest ideals of the Mean Green family.
Congratulations to the 2026 awardees:
Distinguished Alumni Award
The most prestigious award given by the UNT Alumni Association, honoring alumni for professional achievement and significant contributions to society and the university.
Vikas Sinha (’23 Ph.D.)
Vikas Sinha, Ph.D., is a global technology executive, innovator and philanthropist whose career spans more than 30 years in enterprise software, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation. As vice president of worldwide engineering and architecture for Broadcom’s Mainframe Software Division, he leads technology strategy for critical systems used by organizations around the world. Sinha earned his Ph.D. in information science from UNT in 2023, having previously earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from other institutions. Sinha and his wife, Anuradha, have been champions for student success at UNT through service on the College of Information Leadership Board, and through the establishment of the Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science and the Sinha Innovation Lab for Data Science.
Susan Gabbard (’70, ’94 M.A.)
Susan Gabbard has dedicated more than 45 years to advancing art education as a teacher, administrator, mentor and national leader. A two-time UNT graduate, she taught art for 30 years before serving as director of visual and performing arts for Oklahoma City Public Schools and later president of the National Art Education Association. Her distinguished career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award for Arts Education and the National Art Educator of the Year Award. Gabbard remains actively involved with UNT through her service on the College of Visual Arts and Design board of directors.
Troy Phillips (’69)
Troy Phillips is a respected attorney, entrepreneur and civic leader whose lifelong commitment to leadership began at UNT, where he served as student body vice president and president. After graduating in 1969 and serving in the U.S. Army, he earned a law degree from the University of Texas and built a successful legal career in Dallas. In 1991, he founded Glast Phillips Murray Zopolsky, which has grown into a prominent law firm employing dozens of attorneys. A first-generation college student, Phillips credits UNT with helping shape his confidence, leadership abilities and professional success.
Dave Heacock (’88 M.B.A.)
Dave Heacock is a technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience in semiconductor development, business leadership and innovation. A graduate of UNT’s M.B.A. program, he helped build Benchmarq Microelectronics into a successful public company before holding senior leadership roles at Texas Instruments, where he retired as senior vice president of the Silicon Valley Analog Group. He has continued to support emerging technologies through startup leadership and board service while also dedicating his time to community organizations and nonprofit causes. Heacock remains a strong supporter of UNT and its First in Business program for first-generation students.
Outstanding Alumni Service Award
Presented to individuals who have provided exceptional service to UNT or their community.
Erin Hogue (’99)
Erin Hogue is the founder of See Forever Consulting, and has combined a successful career in retail strategy and business transformation with a longstanding commitment to service and leadership. She has spent more than 25 years leading initiatives for major retailers while investing in future generations through mentorship, volunteerism and philanthropy. She serves on the UNT College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism Advancement Board and, along with her husband, Hogue established an endowed scholarship supporting business students involved in fraternity and sorority life. Her dedication to UNT and the broader community has earned her recognition as a distinguished volunteer and leader.
Ulys Knight Spirit Award
Given to an individual or group that has made noteworthy efforts to show exceptional UNT spirit.
Troy Wolf (’86, ’93 M.S.)
Troy Wolf, a proud two-time UNT alumnus, exemplifies unwavering dedication, generosity and Mean Green pride. As a technical lead senior specialist with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Wolf has built an accomplished engineering career while remaining deeply committed to the university through leadership, philanthropy and enthusiastic engagement. A familiar presence at football and men’s basketball games as a longtime season ticket holder, he proudly champions UNT year-round. His impact extends far beyond the sidelines through his extraordinary support of student success, including the establishment of multiple scholarships in the UNT College of Engineering honoring his late friend and fellow alumnus Gene H. Fuhrman (’86), as well as scholarships in his own name. Through his investments in students, support of UNT Athletics and active involvement with the UNT Diamond Eagles Society, Wolf has created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and strengthen the UNT community.
Rising Star Award
This award recognizes recent graduates for distinguished achievement that has merited the honor and praise of peers and colleagues.
Phil Samson (’22 M.F.A.)
Phil Samson is an interdisciplinary artist whose work merges creativity, science and innovation. After a successful career advising global clients in the professional services industry, he pursued a Master of Fine Arts at UNT, graduating in 2022 and earning national recognition from the International Sculpture Center. Samson collaborates closely with researchers at the UNT BioDiscovery Institute, transforming scientific concepts into engaging visual experiences and fostering creative approaches to problem-solving. Through his artistic practice, university service and support of student opportunities, Samson continues to build connections between art, research and discovery.
These alumni will be honored at the 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards, held on Friday, November 6, 2026, in the UNT Gateway Center Ballroom.
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