The School of Mathematics and Science Foundations (SMSF) is the new home for introductory-level and core science and math courses at the University of North Texas.

Planned for a Fall 2026 launch, SMSF seeks to develop an innovative new model for foundational STEM education aimed at promoting students’ readiness to thrive in the 21st century workforce. Our faculty strives to empower every learner to thrive through an integrated, evidence-driven, and interdisciplinary STEM foundation that inspires curiosity, supports diverse needs, and prepares students to lead and innovate in a complex world.

SMSF is supported by UNT’s Learning Ecosystem for Empowering Futures (LEEF), an initiative of the UNT President to foster student success through research, practice, and curricular connection.

Life Sciences Building on the UNT Denton Campus

SMSF is seeking an Associate Dean

SMSF is currently seeking an Associate Dean who will serve as the executive leader of the new school. Reporting directly to the College of Science Dean, the Associate Dean will play a crucial role in developing and guiding SMSF as it becomes a key component of UNT’s efforts to improve student academic success and career outcomes in STEM-related areas.

The Associate Dean will be responsible for leading SMSF toward success in its goals, which include:

  • Ensuring horizonal and vertical alignment, consistent assessments, and coordinated curricula in foundational science and mathematics courses.
  • Providing resources and structures to develop student self-efficacy.
  • Promoting and developing innovative, evidence-based teaching practices that advance student success.
  • Driving student engagement, timely degree completion, and career readiness.
  • Supporting instructors with ongoing professional development while incentivizing and rewarding continuous improvement in instruction.

About Us

The School of Mathematics and Science Foundations (SMSF) is the new home for introductory-level science and math courses at UNT. These include courses that provide the necessary mathematics and science foundations for students majoring in STEM fields as well as service courses that fulfil core curriculum requirements for non-STEM majors across the university.

Exterior photo of the environmental sciences building in spring

Mission

The mission of the SMSF is to advance excellence in foundational science and mathematics education through innovative curricular design, collaborative and evidence-based pedagogy, and a focus on student learning and academic success. Guided by a student-first approach, we strive to foster intellectual growth and personal achievement to prepare students for advanced studies and real-world challenges.

Vision

The vision of the UNT School of Mathematics and Science Foundations is to empower every learner to thrive through an integrated, evidence driven, and interdisciplinary STEM foundation that inspires curiosity, supports diverse needs, and prepares students to lead and innovate in a complex world.

To fulfill its mission and vision, SMSF will pursue the following goals:

DEVELOP student self-efficacy
  • Provide equitable access to high-quality instruction and resources
  • Deliver targeted support for under-prepared and at-risk students to close achievement gaps
  • Strengthen students’ confidence and ability to seek help early
DISCOVER innovative, evidence-based teaching practices that advance student success
  • Embed science practices that teach students how to think, not just compute answers
  • Use targeted assessments and co-requisite structures to improve learning outcomes
  • Share and refine practices that reduce DFWI and course-repeat rates
DRIVE student engagement, completion, and career readiness
  • Integrate real-world contexts, experiential learning, and industry partnerships at all levels of STEM instruction
  • Involve students in research and other high-impact learning experiences early and often
  • Promote cross-disciplinary and thematic learning that connects math and science to emerging technologies and career pathways
BUILD a coherent, essential, and aligned foundational STEM curriculum
  • Establish core and cross-cutting concepts across introductory STEM courses
  • Ensure horizontal and vertical alignment, consistent assessments, and coordinated foundational courses
  • Use backward design and standards-based outcomes to drive coherence and discipline relevance
ENGAGE instructors in reflective and evidence-based teaching practices supported by ongoing professional development and collaboration
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation
  • Support and reward faculty for innovating and transforming courses, including adopting active learning and new course formats
  • Incentivize continuous improvement of STEM instruction through clear performance expectations and a culture of celebrating individual and team achievements