Dr. M. Jean Keller is a Professor at the University of North Texas and currently serves as Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Faculty Affairs. Throughout her career at UNT, she has held leadership positions, including Interim Vice President for Community Engagement and Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor during UNT Dallas’s transition to an independently accredited university in the UNT System. She also served as Dean of the College of Education for 15 years.

Among Dr. Keller’s most significant contributions is her vision and leadership in establishing the North Texas Regional P-16 Council. This collaborative initiative brought together early childhood programs, K-12 schools, community colleges, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community partners to improve educational access and success from prekindergarten through college completion and workforce entry.

Dr. Keller is committed to supporting faculty, staff, and students. Her collaborative, interdisciplinary scholarship includes books, book chapters, and more than 300 peer-reviewed publications. She has also secured more than $10 million in external funding to support research and innovative educational initiatives.

Dr. Keller’s contributions earned recognition as a fellow in both the Academy of Leisure Sciences and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.