19
July
2021
|
09:49 AM
America/Chicago

UHD Experts Available to Address Houston Road Rage, Bezos' Space Launch, Texas Democrats in D.C.

Summary

Contact: Mike Emery, UHD Director of Communications
emeryp@uhd.edu
281-794-4824

Faculty experts from the University of Houston-Downtown are available to address a variety of topics this week, including: violent road rage incidents on the rise in Houston, billionaire Jeff Bezos' upcoming space launch and Texas Democrats' ongoing efforts to counter legislation calling for voting restrictions. Experts are available as their schedules permit, and interviews can be scheduled by contacting UHD Director of Communications Mike Emery (emeryp@uhd.edu / 281-794-4824).

  • Road Rage .. Entitlement in Action?: Dr. Kristin Anderson cites the spike in Houston-area road rage incidents as examples of modern day entitlement. Her recent book, "Enraged, Rattled, Wronged," explores entitlement's role in perpetuating violence, aggression and ultimately, confusion in society. According to Anderson, "entitled" individuals are over-empowered to take matters into their own hands when they feel things (no matter how big or small) are not going their way.
     
  • Billionaire Space Race: Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos is the next billionaire space traveler (following Richard Branson who journeyed to the stars a few weeks ago). This week, Bezos and his company Blue Origin will blast off from West Texas. Assistant Professor of Business Dietrich von Biedenfeld can address whether Bezos and Branson's galactic galavanting are positive signs for space tourism, and Dr. Gene Preuss, Associate Professor of History, can discuss the historical significance of these flights. One giant leap for mankind? Or simply just another day at the office for these billionaire visionaries?
     
  • Dems in (Self-Imposed) Exile: Texas Democrats continue their crusade against their state's proposed legislation that would impact voting. While these state legislators face an uphill battle (and now COVID-19) in Washington D.C., UHD experts can weigh in. Dr. David Branham, Professor of Political Science, can address how their actions may impact legislation left on the table during the Texas Legislature's special session, as well as its effects on Democrats' image and popularity in the state. Additionally, historian Dr. Gene Preuss can revisit similar standoffs in 1979 and 2003. 

 

About the University of Houston-Downtown

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.