It is good to see the entire Gator Community back on campus for the start of fall classes. This time of year is momentous at all institutions of higher learning, but it is particularly special at UHD.

This semester, we welcome a freshman class of 1,500 Gators to UHD. This is our largest group of freshmen to date, and I look forward to watching their progress.

Our university also welcomes another new Gator to campus—the new 10-foot bronze installation positioned in front of the Shea Street Building (home of the Marilyn Davies College of Business). This bronze statue reflects UHD’s ongoing enhancement projects aimed at promoting institutional pride and reminds visitors that we are indeed the Gators.

And speaking of campus additions, this semester, we opened the doors to UHD’s newest academic facility, the College of Sciences & Technology Building. This building not only is a game changer for UHD and its students, it alters the academic landscape in Houston.

And all of you are transforming higher education in this region. Your accomplishments in our classrooms and in the community demonstrate our university’s commitment to academic excellence. UHD’s students are being published in peer reviewed journals and working with professionals in the Texas Medical Center; staff members are applying their experiences at our institution to higher education leadership roles; and our faculty continues to engage in research and produce innovative texts on a range of relevant topics.

Great things are happening at UHD, and Gators such as yourself are making a difference in Houston and beyond.

Welcome back to campus. Let’s make this a productive semester and Finish UHD Strong.

Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz
UHD President

College of Sciences & Technology Building Now Open
As mentioned, the College of Sciences & Technology Building is now open. This semester, the state-of-the-art LEED Gold building (the first in the University of Houston System) hosts its first classes this semester and will serve as a model for sustainability and undergraduate education in STEM disciplines. This new academic facility marks the start of a new chapter for UHD as our University continues to expand its presence just north of I-10. Houstonians and the media are already taking notice of this building, which will enhance our academic offerings to students and serve as a catalyst for community conversations and collaborations.

Welcome Week
The start of the fall semester isn’t complete without Welcome Week. This annual tradition allows faculty, staff and students to participate in community-building events throughout campus. Likewise, Welcome Week is focused on students starting the fall semester on the right foot. This week of activities builds institutional pride and allows students to connect with both professors and peers. I plan on participating in several Welcome Week activities and look forward to meeting many new and returning Gators.