UHD Names Dr. Meritza Tamez as Dean of Students
By Mike Emery
The University of Houston-Downtown has named Dr. Meritza Tamez as its next Dean of Students.
Tamez has served as Interim Dean since July 2019 and brings a decade of higher education experience to UHD’s Division of Student Affairs. In her permanent role, she will continue to provide strategic direction, vision, and support to the division. Also, she will oversee the University’s many centers that are critical to the support, development and well-being of UHD’s student population, which will include the University’s Main Career Center, Counseling Services, Disability Services, Health Services, Student Activities, Student Conduct, Sports & Fitness, and Veterans Services.
“I am honored to serve as UHD’s next Dean of Students,” Tamez said. “The Division of Student Affairs is committed to supporting student learning and development; and I am privileged to lead and collaborate with such a dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to advocate for the continued success of our students.”
Tamez previously served as Assistant Dean of Students and the Director for UHD’s Office of Disability Services. Prior to arriving at UHD, she served Pennsylvania State University in various roles, including Clinical Supervisor for the institution’s CEDAR Clinic, Group Counselor for its Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, and as an undergraduate advisor for its Department of Rehabilitation Services.
At both UHD and Penn State, she taught courses on counseling, disability studies and race. As a scholar, she has contributed articles to the Journal of Rehabilitation and The Journal of Rehabilitation Administration.
Tamez holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Penn State; a Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University; and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Texas A&M University.
As Dean of Students, she will report to UHD Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs and Provost Dr. Eric Carl Link.
“During Dr. Tamez’s time at UHD, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to its students,” Link said. “She is committed to the success, health, safety, and well-being of our Gators, and strives to create a vibrant and rich campus environment for our students. I am thrilled that Dr. Tamez has agreed to continue in the role of Dean of Students, and I look forward to working with her in the coming years to make Student Affairs at UHD a model for student engagement and success not just in the Houston area, but across the nation.”
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.
