College of Education faculty, staff, students and members of the community filled SEC Auditorium to hear Se7en the Poet and The Drum Café for Dean Robert McPherson's First Lecture.  Children from the UH Charter School opened the event and thoroughly charmed the audience.  It was outstanding way to kick off the new academic year. 

The renowned poet Se7en recited inspirational poems about his experiences as a teacher.   An interactive presentation from The Drum Cafe followed as each audience member was given a drum and learned to work in harmony playing along with Drum Cafe.  It was truly inspirational!

Jeff McCanna, Officer of Human Capital, Houston Independent School District (HISD) attended First Lecture as a guest of the University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE). He told us that the excitement of having so many future educators come together to celebrate their upcoming adventure was inspiring and energizing.  "Se7en and the Drum Café brought their 'A' Game and we all left truly appreciating the opportunity we have been given to be change agents and difference makers," said McCanna.  "Thank you Dean McPherson for your dedication and leadership!" 

"First lecture is such an inspiring way for our students, faculty, and staff to begin the fall semester as a community," said Curriculum & Instruction (CUIN) clinical associate professor, Teresa Edgar.  "From the enthusiasm of the audience during the presentation, I am sure all who attended were energized and ready to begin the semester!"

Upon exiting SEC Auditorium attendees were greeted outside of by UH COE staff volunteers passing out refreshing drinks.

During his first year as Dean, McPherson created the “First Lecture Series” in fall 2011 as an initiative to usher in the new academic year positively and with inspiration. Other featured speakers have been award-winning educator John Hunter, decorated veteran and Navy SEAL Eric Greitens, former NASA astronaut Bonnie Dunbar, N.Y. Times best-selling Author Ron Clark and Superintendent of Perrin-Whitt CISD and educational activist John Kuhn.