Six-year term increases UH's standing in every measure

by Chris Evans
In the six years that Arthur K. Smith has held the dual position of University of Houston System chancellor and UH president, the university has experienced some of the most dramatic growth in its 76-year history.

From spearheading the university’s efforts to become a preeminent research institution in the country to leading UH through Tropical Storm Allison’s aftermath to elevating fundraising to new heights, Smith’s tenure will not soon be forgotten.
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First Lady's lengthy career dedicated to education

For more than 15 years, education, in the sense of making friends for a university, has been the top point on University of Houston First Lady June Smith’s agenda. But, there was a life before she was part of a university presidential couple. And that, too, was about education.

When University of Houston President Arthur K. Smith moved to the University of South Carolina as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, Mrs. Smith naturally moved with him, taking a two-year leave of absence from her job as a teacher in New York. She had been a high school and then elementary teacher for more than 22 years.

After two years in South Carolina, events at that university propelled him forward as interim president, and she was propelled, too. His new responsibilities meant a brand new set of responsibilities for her as well.

“We’ve always been a team,’” she said. “We’ve always done things together. When he decided to go on, I said, ‘Fine, I’ll go, too.”
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Smith Highlights
Arthur K. Smith invested as University of Houston System Chancellor and UH President - first to hold dual titles.

Smith successfully leads the merger of the UH System
and UH administrations.

The UH Endowment grows to $341.6 million.

Smith completes his administrative team, recruiting a provost, Vice Chancellor/Vice President for administration, VC/VP for university advancement, athletics director and general counsel, and creating two new positions: VC/VP for research and VC/VP for information technology.

Smith increases undergraduate scholarships more than $1.4 million during the next three years.

The first Presidential Endowed Scholarships are created as well as two new donor societies: The President's Club and the 1927 Society.

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