You might think that an almost-century-old, large, public research university would be set in its ways. That it would rigidly cling to what’s made it so successful thus far. But that’s never the case at the University of Houston. Here, we make significant impact. We boldly leverage our size and influence, all the while remaining flexible enough to make adjustments that meet the needs of our students, of industry and society at large.

And while we certainly respect our history and build upon our illustrious accomplishments, a university of the future cannot be tethered to its past. It must continue to dare. It must always make great leaps forward.

Here, at the University of Houston, we are as dynamic as the students we serve and as fearless as the world in which we live, and we are committed to serving them both.

A university experience is about more than just what one learns in a classroom. It should inspire deep, personal growth and provide a richness of experiences that, combined with academic pursuits, lead to thoughtful leaders and prepared professionals. In academia, as in life, we learn most effectively when exposed to new experiences, to new ways of thinking and to new and different people. At the University of Houston, we boast one of the most diverse student populations in the country.

Our community is welcoming and inclusive. Here, you’ll find a community of people representing different backgrounds, genders, locations, ages, cultures and perspectives; and we revel in this advantage because of what it means to our students.

In a diverse community, intellectual engagement, critical thinking and even self-motivation improve for all students from all backgrounds. We become more competent problem-solvers when exposed to new ways of thinking. We grow more empathetic when we share time with others who come from a rich tapestry of cultures. And we can better take advantage of a broader range of opportunities just by being surrounded by voices and perspectives that we may not have had in our pasts.

An education without application frankly seems a bit trivial to us. Here, we educate our students — leveraging a strong experiential approach — so they can thrive in the real world. We conduct research designed to have relevant applications. We ready ourselves to affect positive change in the arts, sciences, technology, engineering, business, education, health and health care, and beyond. We inspire students to think beyond their limits and become global citizens who ultimately contribute to a better world.

After all, what good are knowledge, experience and skills if you don’t do something meaningful with them?

Houston, Texas is a vibrant metroplex, recognized worldwide for its contributions to space exploration, the energy industry, live entertainment, rich cultural events, upscale eateries and everything else you’d expect from a bustling world-class metropolis. So, it’s no coincidence that at the heart of this city lies the University of Houston.

After all, our graduates are the go-getters, dream-chasers and entrepreneurs who feed Houston’s workforce, contributing billions of dollars to this region and the state each year. Our students invigorate its streets and neighborhoods and provide an electrifying influence to its culture and arts scene. Our faculty are the stewards of the knowledge and research that bring an appreciation for the exchange of ideas, good practices and creative problem-solving. And our legions of devoted alumni are the titans of business, the civic leaders and the cultural icons who lead this city and this region to greater heights with each passing day.

As our university thrives, so does this city and its people.

Some call it determination, some call it grit, others still might call it pure stubbornness, but at the University of Houston, we consistently aspire for only the very best.

This willpower and resolve is unmatched at other institutions and stems from a city that has historically had to outwork the competition. One that has enthusiastically followed its own path and seized its opportunities.

This drive, this confidence, this unwavering determination has become a hallmark of those we educate. It’s been the fuel that has propelled us to conduct groundbreaking research, to build and lead meaningful lives, to win national championships and to make what had previously seemed impossible, possible.