I hope you had a restful holiday season and took time to recharge and reflect on your hard work during the fall semester.

Fall 2018 was a semester to remember at UHD. We opened Houston’s first university e-Sports Center and hosted two very important debates with candidates running for U.S. Congress and Texas Senate District 6. Our university also welcomed new deans, Dr. Scott Marzilli at the University College and Dr. Charles Gengler at the Marilyn Davies College of Business. And, we announced Dr. Eric Carl Link as the university’s new Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs. Other highlights included UHD posting a critical fall enrollment increase and making significant progress on the future College of Sciences & Technology Building (which will be ready to open at this time next year).

And, we finished on a high note by conferring more than 1,800 degrees during Commencement Weekend.

These accomplishments are indicative of the University’s upward trajectory and were made possible by the combined efforts of the faculty, staff, students and external community supporters of UHD. As we prepare for the new semester, I encourage you to look back on these successes and know that more great things are in store for UHD.

Happy New Year.

Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz
UHD President

Giving Gators

December was the season for giving, and our Gators worked diligently in collecting items for Houstonians in need. Our student Animal Rescue Club collected blankets to donate to the city’s BARC animal shelter; our Division of Advancement and University Relations contributed items to the Operation: Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive; and the UHD Police Department visited area schools to deliver toys and cheer to students (pictured above). These are only a few examples of Gators going the extra mile to help others during the holidays.

Grads With Grit

I had the privilege of attending both ceremonies during the Fall 2018 Commencement Weekend. It was the perfect way to conclude the year. During these events, I witnessed Gator Grit in full force as our graduates emerged from our university, ready to take on new challenges. These Grads with Grit included history major Kohlton Fry, who continued his academic journey in spite of a life-changing injury; business major Obedia Ramsey (pictured above), a mother and grandmother, who hopes to inspire nontraditional students; and communications major Patrick Strickland, who worked three jobs while caring for his grandmother. I commend these students and the many others, who overcame hardships to Finish UHD Strong.