DALLAS – On Friday, March 6, the University of North Texas at Dallas celebrated Employee Appreciation Day with its annual Recognition and Service Awards. Two members of the UNT Dallas Athletics Department were honored for their length of service. Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Josh Howard was honored for five years of service. Director of Athletic Communications Nathan Yacovissi received recognition for one year of service.
 
Howard has been part of UNT Dallas since the inaugural year of the athletic department in 2020-21, serving as a head coach for the program each season. A year ago, Howard was named Athletic Director for the department and remains the longest tenured member of the staff.
 
Yacovissi joined UNT Dallas in August 2024 and has been spreading the Trailblazers athletic story since that time. He helps shape the voice and promotes the student-athletes on the athletic website and social media platforms.