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At its core, creating a will isn’t just about personal planning, but a statement of what matters most. By including UNT in your estate plan, you can help ensure that future generations of business students have access to the same transformative education, innovative programs, and world-class opportunities that shaped your own journey.

Philip Watson (’74) and Susan Medlock (’73), two Ryan College of Business alumni, made the decision to include the Ryan College of Business in their estate plans in 2019. Their planned gift of $2,500,000 will create The Philip S. Watson and Susan J. Medlock Chair in Accounting, and support a distinguished faculty member whose teaching, research, and service will advance the field of accounting.

“My wife and I both graduated [from the Ryan College of Business] with accounting degrees, and we’ve done pretty well. This is a way for us to express our gratitude,” Watson said. “We’re hoping this gift will remove some financial barriers and provide opportunities for learning growth that will make a lasting difference.”

Watson, who described himself as a “poor kid”, went into the Navy to save money for college. He didn’t know what degree to pursue, but found solid ground in the College of Business with the support of academic advisors who “provided incredible encouragement and the support [he] was needing.” He ended up earning two degrees in finance and accounting, met his wife, Susan, and now continues to stay involved with “a great experience that is still carrying on.”

“The transformative power of education is really true. Without that education, it’s going to be tough,” he said. “I got that at North Texas with my accounting degree… so I just wanted to give something back.”
Planned gifts establish enduring support for future generations. They create scholarships that open doors, fund research that sparks new ideas, and support programs that elevate UNT as a leader in business education. For those looking to take that next step, UNT offers a free Personal Estate Planning Kit. This comprehensive tool guides you through organizing your estate, protecting your assets, and crafting a legacy with purpose.

“Legacy to me means leaving something behind that makes a positive difference to open doors for other people,” Watson said. “It’s a meaningful way to give back to a place that probably played a major role in your success.”

Whether you're just starting to think about your future or ready to create a lasting legacy, now is the perfect time to act. To explore resources or begin planning your gift, visit our website and discover how you can make a meaningful difference for UNT and beyond.

Want to learn more about how you can get started? Reach out to Roman Herrington, Executive Director of Development.