Through human, financial, and physical resources, PDI's mission is to conduct education-related activities which will enhance the economic base, educational credibility and professional presence of the University of North Texas.
With a strong belief that a professional education division would benefit the rapidly expanding reputation of the business college at the University of North Texas (UNT), Dr. Marvin Berkeley, then Dean of the College of Business Administration, founded the Professional Development Institute (PDI) in 1973.
Housed on the UNT campus, PDI initially operated as a department within the university's College of Business. Eleven years later, in March 1984, PDI was incorporated as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. In 1986, PDI vacated its UNT quarters, occupying offices in the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center nearby.
Dr. Berkeley's vision regarding professional education led him to form an executive board in 1980, linking powerful North Texas area corporate “movers and shakers” with PDI in an advisory capacity. Early board members included Dr. Berkeley, Edward V. Smith III, Larry Jobe, T.L. Redden, William Halden Conner, and Dr. Howard Smith.
With the board's help, the Institute's first director - and president - Dr. Paden Neeley, guided the organization to a national reputation as a leading provider of education for accountants. In 1999, the foundation experienced a dramatic change, however: the popular accounting division was sold to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). At that time, PDI refocused its energies to deliver corporate on-site, public and energy-related training.
Although the foundation adapted to best serve the needs of professionals located throughout the world, PDI and UNT have historically maintained a mutually beneficial partnership. For instance, bylaws call for a return of all profits beyond operating expenses to the university. As a result, over the years, PDI has contributed more than $12 million to the university, funding endowments, professorships, special events, and items such as College of Business Administration computer lab equipment.
UNT Associate Vice President Ken Robertson serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Achievement and Lifelong Learning and the Professional Development Institute.
Mr. Robertson, originally from Maine, has a B.S. from Gorham State University and an MBA from the University of North Texas. He has been active with the American Society for Training and Development, the American Society of Association Executives and the UNT President's Council.
Prior to joining the Professional Development Institute, Mr. Robertson held executive positions with the Moody Foundation in Galveston, the Texas Society of CPAs in Dallas, and organizations including Primedia and Voyager.
Ms. Crow manages PDI's oil & gas conferences, national oil & gas schools and government contracts. She holds a degree from Colorado State University.
Ms. Harrison is responsible for the financial accounting systems and financial reporting for PDI. She holds a BBA from Texas Woman's University.
Mr. Hoffman is National Director of Business Development and Sales for the Professional Development Institute of the University of North Texas. Prior to joining PDI, he worked in sales for Enertia Software and was Vice President of Business Development for Novoforum, a technical infrastructure that routes transactions among trading companies. He is former Global Director of Solutions Architecture for Oracle Energy, and former Director of Sales for PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has a BS in Systems Science from Michigan State University.
Sharon became the CERT manager in 2006. In her role as manager, Sharon coordinates the monthly breakfast meetings, social events, and annual retreat. She is a former corporate trainer for the Sheraton Corporation and a former member of the Hospitality Board of Governors at the University of North Texas. Sharon has a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College.
Ms. Meux manages the operations of PDI's Corporate Training business, working with companies to ensure successful training events within their corporation. Ms. Meux earned a B.A. from Midwestern State University.
Ms. Murray's primary responsibilities include the marketing and advertising plans for all of the programs PDI offers as well as responsibility for the website and registration system. She holds a BA from Austin College and a MBA from The University of Texas at Austin.
Ms. Perry manages the marketing materials process, from concept & design to printing and fulfillment. She also manages advertising and public relations. She holds a B.A. from Texas Tech University and a M.A. from University of Texas, Permian Basin.
Mr. Phillips works in the operations side of PDI managing the shipping of publications and materials. He holds a degree from the University of North Texas.
Ms. Russell's manages the Financial Planning program, paralegal certificate programs and all of PDI's distance learning activities. She also handles many of the registrations for PDI's programs.
Ms. Vincent is responsible for accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and other general administrative duties. With many years of experience in a variety of industries, she adds a broad range of accounting and administrative experience to PDI.
