William (Bill) Acree Jr, FRSC, FIUPAC, Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, TX, has been selected as the 2026 Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) – Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Awardee. This award recognizes his exceptional commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers and guiding them toward nationally competitive scholarships.
Throughout his career, Acree has guided and inspired numerous undergraduate students pursuing research in the sciences, helping many achieve recognition through prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and advanced academic pathways, including the highly competitive Goldwater Scholarship. Known for his commitment to student-centered mentorship, Acree creates research environments that challenge students intellectually while building confidence, curiosity, and professional identity as emerging scientists. His mentorship extends beyond the laboratory, empowering students to communicate their research, pursue ambitious goals, and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Through decades of leadership and mentorship, Dr. Acree has had a transformative impact on undergraduate research and student success at UNT and beyond.
Acree states, “Of the awards and recognitions that I have received during my 42 years in academia, I cherish the CUR-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award the most as it recognizes not only my scholastic achievements, but the accomplishments of the 250 undergraduate and high school students who performed research in my chemistry laboratory as well.”
“Years ago, I discovered that undergraduate and high school students can make significant contributions to science if provided with the opportunity,” Acree continues to explain. “I take great pride in the fact that the 250 undergraduate students and the high school participants in the UNT Upward Bound Math and Science summer program who performed research in my chemistry laboratory are co-authors on 355 of my nearly 1200 lifetime publications. Many of these students have earned graduate degrees, and all have had very successful careers in their chosen profession, whether it be as educators, employees in the private or governmental sectors, or as founders of startup companies, and so forth.
He goes on to share his personal goals, “While I plan to serve as a research mentor to undergraduate students for several more years, my hope is that when I finally do decide to retire, others will say, ‘Bill helped make UNT a better place for undergraduate students to learn and to grow into caring, responsible adults.’ In closing, I would like to thank members of the CUR-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award Selection Committee for naming me the 2026 recipient of this highly prestigious award.”
“Dr. Acree’s recognition as a CUR-Goldwater Faculty Mentor reflects exactly what UNT is about — opening doors to transformative mentorship and educational experiences for students to create enduring value for the public good,” explains Harrison Keller, PhD, UNT President. “Dr. Acree has guided nearly 250 students, co-authored 350 peer-reviewed publications, and he demonstrates a deep commitment to driving new opportunities for our students, our region, and our state. We are incredibly proud of his well-deserved accomplishment.”
“Dr. Bill Acree exemplifies the transformative power of undergraduate research mentorship,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR Executive Officer. “His dedication to guiding students through rigorous scientific inquiry while encouraging them to pursue ambitious academic and professional goals has changed the trajectory of countless researchers. Through his mentorship, students not only gain research experience, but also the confidence, resilience, and support needed to excel at the highest levels. We are proud to recognize Dr. Acree for his outstanding commitment to student success and undergraduate research excellence.”
UNT will receive $5,000 dedicated to support Acree’s research program and undergraduate researchers. He will also be celebrated on June 10 at the virtual CUR Award Celebration Ceremony. Find out more details here >>
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation: By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is helping to ensure that the United States is producing the number of highly qualified professionals needed by the nation in these critical fields.
The University of North Texas is a Carnegie R1 public research university and the largest university in Dallas-Fort Worth — one of the most dynamic regions in the world. Through its campuses in Denton and Frisco, Texas, UNT serves nearly 44,000 students with 242 degree programs and awarded more than 13,000 degrees last year. UNT proudly serves in the vanguard of leading American universities willing to measure success by how well we educate and support every qualified student who commits to learning with us. We deliver outcomes that matter to students, families, employers, and the nation, as a public university committed to create enduring value for the public good.
