Dr. Art Goven's heart has always belonged to teaching.

In his 40 years at UNT, the professor of biological sciences has served in a variety of roles, including faculty executive assistant to the chancellor, interim vice provost and vice president for research, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and coordinator of the Division of Math and Sciences.

"I cannot think of a better place to have invested my time and energy over the past 40 years," he says.

He earned a B.S. in biology from Lynchburg College in Virginia and an M.S.P.H. and Ph.D. in public health (parasitology /immunology), both from the University of North Carolina. His areas of research have included the effects of hazardous chemicals in the environment, earthworms as a model for analyzing immunotoxicity, and the medicinal properties of plants.

"He is passionate about teaching and is loved by his students," says Jyoti Shah, chair of biological sciences. "After he stepped down from administrative roles, he continued to serve the department and the College of Science on various committees."

Check out the full list of our College of Science 2022 Service Award Recipients here.