Dr. Creshema Murray Named Special Assistant to UHD's Office of the President
By Mike Emery
The University of Houston-Downtown’s Dr. Creshema Murray is an accomplished professor, author and researcher. She also frequently shares her insights in politics, popular culture and communications with local and national media outlets. This fall, she takes on a new role—Special Assistant to the Office of the UHD President.
Murray, Associate Professor of Corporate Communication, will support UHD Interim President Antonio Tillis, Ph.D. with special projects and serve as an adviser on federal, state and local issues that can potentially impact the University. She also will review and research policies relevant to UHD and its constituents. Ultimately, Murray will develop, implement and oversee administrative processes that ensure the optimal functioning of the Office of the President.
“Dr. Murray’s expertise in organizational communications and higher education will be an asset to this office and to the University,” said Interim President Tillis. “She brings fresh perspectives to the Office of the President and an unwavering commitment to the success of UHD and its students. I am honored that she will serve in this role.”
Since 2013, Murray has been a faculty member in UHD’s Communication Studies program (based in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences). At UHD, she also serves as a Fellow in the Center for Critical Race Studies. During her time at the University, she edited and contributed content to the book "Leadership Through the Lens: Interrogating Production, Presentation and Power" (Lexington Books).
Murray previously held a teaching position at the University of Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Social Work; Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication; and a Doctorate in Organizational Communication from the University of Alabama.
“I am beyond elated to serve in the role of Special Assistant to the University of Houston-Downtown’s Office of the President,” Murray said. “We are facing pivotal changes in our country and at the University, and I am grateful to be in a position to serve and support our current administration as we navigate unpredictable times. As a leader, it is my goal to always be compassionate, understanding, and flexible; ready to serve our students, staff, and faculty.”
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
