Meet the Team

Dr. Teresa McKinney serves as the Director of the Student Affairs Resource Center (SARC) at UNT Health bringing a deep commitment to fostering student success, holistic development, and equitable access to resources. With over twenty years of higher education administration experience including serving as a Dean of Students, Dr. McKinney has successfully developed programs, built partnerships, and advocated for student well-being—especially for those navigating complex academic, personal, or financial challenges. Helping students is more than her occupation, it is her “occu-passion” which is why SARC is more than a set of services—it is a welcoming hub where students are seen, heard, and empowered. Whether through coordinating emergency funding, connecting students to community and campus support, promoting wellbeing at the Founders Activity Center, or creating outreach and education initiatives, our team is committed to ensuring every student can engage fully and flourish during their time at UNT Health. With us, students will never be an interruption of our work – they are the purpose for it.

Dr. McKinney holds a Doctorate in Education from National Louis University, and a Master of Education Administration from Michigan State University. She has certifications from Harvard University in Innovation and Strategy, and Performance Assessment for Higher Education; Quality Service and Leadership Excellence from Disney; Change Management- ADKAR Model from Prosci; Service Excellence and Change Management from Ouellette & Associates; All Hazards Preparedness/Active Shooter from Homeland Security/FEMA; Title IX Appellate Officer, Hearing Officer and Decision-Maker from the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA); Mental Health First Aid; QPR; Bystander Intervention from Green Dot; Structured Interview for Violence Risk Assessment (SIVRA 35 and SIVRA 20); NIMS 400 Advanced Incident Command Systems; and Building an Individualized Threat Management Plan from NABITA. She has served with Leadership Texas Women and the NASPA National Public Policy and Assessment Teams. Dr. McKinney was awarded the 2017 University of North Texas President’s Community Award, and Advocate of the Year Award from the American Association of College Counseling. She has served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas since 2016 with courses such as Organization and Student Affairs Administration, Assessment Practices, Practicum, Field Problems or Internship, Changing Student Demographics in American Post-Secondary Institutions, and Business Careers and Professional Development. She has served as a consultant and public speaker for higher education with topics including but not limited to Student Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Success; Cultivating Student Belonging; Multiple Generations in the Workplace; and Critical Dialogue/Conversations.

Outside of work, Dr. Mckinney enjoys traveling, kayaking, live NBA events, running 5Ks, skydiving, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with family and friends.

Strengths: Achiever, Learner, Analytical, Responsibility, Individualization

Greg Baker serves as the Assistant Director of the Fitness Center at UNT Health. With a strong passion for promoting student wellness and recreation, Greg is dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for the students, alumni, and Faculty/Staff of UNT Health. With a Bachelor’s from the University of Florida and a Master’s from the University of Oklahoma, Greg brings a solid educational foundation to his role. Outside of work, he values family time, enjoys watching sports, and is an avid powerlifter.

Strengths: Empathy, Developer, Consistency, Relator, Harmony 

Ella Harris serves as the Student Services Specialist for the Student Assistance Resource Center (SARC) at UNT Health. In this role, Ella works to enhance student well-being by coordinating key student assistance programs, including the Food Pantry, Student Emergency Fund, and Clothing Closet. She is also passionate about designing and implementing engaging outreach events that promote awareness of SARC’s resources and ensure students feel supported in all aspects of their lives. Ella brings a deep commitment to holistic student development, equity, and access, and is driven by the belief that every student deserves the tools and support to thrive in their academic environment.   

 Ella graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in education & social justice. She later earned her Master of Education from the University of Washington. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her loved ones. 

Strengths: Communication, Empathy, Connectedness, Positivity, Belief