President's One Main Message: New Year, New Decade at UHD
Dear UHD Community,
We are starting a new year and a new decade at the University of Houston-Downtown. 2020 is already off to a solid start following last week’s dedication of the new College of Sciences & Technology Building. And this weekend, the momentum continues during GatorServe, the University’s twice-a-year tradition of helping Houstonians in need (see below).
These events reflect the University’s commitment to the growth of our campus and the community. Both are also emblematic of the spirit of teamwork that is prevalent here at UHD.
Working together, Gators stand to achieve tremendous things in the New Year and beyond. This edition of the One Main Message spotlights inspiring initiatives that are driven by UHD’s collaborative environment.
Partnerships between faculty, staff, students and alumni are essential to our institution’s success and will certainly support the development of UHD’s Bridge Plan. As the University looks to the future, the insights and energies of all of its constituents will factor into its ongoing prosperity.
As you return to campus this week, I encourage you to seek out opportunities of engagement alongside your fellow Gators. Collaborate with others on efforts to support our institution and its goals. Your participation can help make 2020 another outstanding year for UHD.
Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz
UHD President
The Bayou Review
The latest edition of The Bayou Review was published just before the end of the fall semester. Produced by students with guidance from Daniel Peña, assistant professor of English, this literary journal spotlights artists and writers from around the globe. UHD students also have opportunities to showcase their work in this publication. The Bayou Review is indeed an example of the synergy between UHD faculty and students. Likewise, it’s an important asset to our city’s creative community, providing a platform for our students, as well as emerging voices in literature and art.
GatorServe
Among the highlights of each New Year is GatorServe. Led by the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, this year’s spring event is scheduled for Jan. 18 and will honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. UHD Community members will volunteer throughout the day to support Kashmere Gardens Elementary School and Betsy Ross Elementary School with beautification projects (painting, power washing, building shelves and other tasks). I have had the honor of attending past GatorServe events and can attest to the importance of this initiative. UHD Community members still have time to volunteer for GatorServe by registering here. I look forward to seeing you there!
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.
