Bob Ayensu

A Foundation in Geography and Collaboration

Bob Ayensu earned his M.S. in Applied Geography from the University of North Texas in December 2002 under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Hudak. His graduate research focused on ground-level ozone pollution from man-made sources, a topic that reflected both his technical interest in geospatial analysis and his commitment to addressing environmental challenges.

Bob often credits the curriculum and the department’s learning environment for shaping his professional mindset. He explained that it was not just the technical skills but the principles and fundamentals emphasized across the program that prepared him for success. “It wasn’t specific tools or applications that the faculty focused on,” he said. “It was the combination of approaches and the philosophy behind group work.” That collaborative focus, he noted, helped foster the teamwork and problem-solving abilities he continues to rely on in his career.

From UNT to Geospatial Leadership

Completing his master’s degree provided Bob with a strong foundation in data collection, processing, analysis, interpretation, and reporting, skills that became essential as he built his career in geospatial services. He credits his professors, including Dr. Bruce Hunter, Dr. Joseph Oppong, Dr. Paul Hudak, and Dr. Don Lyons, for guiding him through the program and preparing him to take on leadership roles in the field.

Bob is now the Enterprise GIS Manager for the City of Frisco, Texas, where he leads the GIS Division and oversees the administration of the city’s enterprise GIS environment and related technologies. His leadership has earned recognition at the national level. He was named an ESRI Water GIS Hero in spring 2022, and later that year, the Trinity River Authority GIS team, which he led, received ESRI’s Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award.

A Denton Memory That Still Stands Out

When Bob looks back on his time at UNT, one memory still makes him laugh. “My first Christmas in Denton, Dr. Bruce Hunter took me to see Brave Combo play on the Square,” he recalled. “Somehow he convinced me to join the crowd doing the Chicken Dance.” Bob admits he was relieved that social media wasn’t widespread at the time. “If it had been, I’m sure that video would have gone viral.”

Words of Advice for Future Geographers

After years of professional experience, Bob encourages students to stay open-minded as they navigate their own paths.

“Don’t restrict yourself to a rigid career path,” he advised. “Take risks, get out of your comfort zone, and be eager to learn and explore new opportunities.”

He added that stepping into uncertain situations is often where the most growth happens. “See those vulnerable moments as opportunities to grow,” he said.

From studying air quality in Denton to leading citywide GIS innovation in Frisco, Bob Ayensu represents the best of what a UNT Geography education can inspire: technical excellence, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning.