No Limit To Our Success

“In 2013, we maintained our national rankings and increased the number of our nationally recognized programs. Ten of our graduate programs are now ranked in the Top 50. For the first time, our Law Center as a whole is ranked in the Top 50, and four of its programs are ranked in the Top 20! We certainly take pride in such accomplishments, but we exist because we educate and open young minds to the possibilities of their own potential. Everything else—rankings, residence halls, recreation centers, research labs, athletics—only enhances our capacity to do so. They are not the mission in themselves. It is important for us as administrators, faculty and staff to rededicate ourselves to the core mission of our university, no matter how hard it is, no matter what demands it makes of us. If anyone can shape the future of higher education, we in Houston can. Our economy is robust, our community is generous and our willpower is that of a Cougar.”

Renu Khator
President, University of Houston

Houston

Focusing Our Present to Propel Houston’s Future

letterhead for city of houston, office of the mayor

To the Cougar Community and Its Supporters

Houston has developed into a vibrant international city, one where commerce and culture foster a community based on determination, drive and personal success.

We enjoy several notable resources that have helped shape and sustain our remarkable development into a world-class city. Certainly the University of Houston has played a unique and extraordinary role in that transcendence. UH shares not only the name of our city, but also a number of its prime characteristics. Both are diverse in composition and global in perspective. Both embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. Both recognize the vital roles that energy and health care play in our economy. And both acknowledge the importance of individual achievement and collective enlightenment.

This is how it should be.

As a second-generation native Houstonian, I have seen firsthand how UH has grown steadily and flourished, paralleling the city’s own prosperity. Surely, this is no coincidence.

UH has been the city’s invaluable partner for progress, educating the skilled workforce and leaders in business and government who are essential to the vitality of our economy and vision of our community. Its research and scholarship have served to address our challenges, providing both inspiration and practical knowledge. In doing so, the university has become a resourceful local asset and a nationally celebrated institution.

Today, Houston is indeed fortunate to be one of a handful of cities in America that can boast of having two Tier One universities.

I know that President Khator is fond of pointing out that a great city deserves a great public university. On behalf of the city of Houston, I salute her and the University of Houston for taking that responsibility to heart.

Go, Coogs!

mayor annise d. parker's signature

Annise D. Parker
Mayor

Student Success

Driving Our Vision

The Texas Legislature has been heading toward a higher education funding model based on performance. The emphasis is shifting to graduating students, not just enrolling them. UH has embraced that approach with a strategic enrollment focus. More than ever before, we concentrate on student success and degrees produced, rather than simple head count. Our result? The most impressive freshman class in UH’s history, based on SAT scores and high school class rank.

Student Success

Entering Freshmen Average SAT
chart showing an increase in entering freshmen average SAT scrores from 1,060 in 2008 to 1,138 2013

Freshman Retention Rate

chart showing an increase in freshman retention rate from 79.2 percent in fall 2008 to 84.7 percent in fall 2013
chart showing an increate in capacity from 4,320 in fall 2007 to 8,098 in fall 2013

We know that living on campus drives student success. UH has moved steadily toward transforming itself into a residential campus. This year, with the opening of Cougar Village II and Cougar Place, our student residence capacity exceeds 8,000—the second highest among all Texas universities. Along with the academic benefits this provides, it creates palpable energy and enthusiasm on campus every day.

We didn’t stop with residence halls. The University of Houston is being dramatically transformed as part of an ongoing $1-billion construction program that includes nearly two dozen buildings and four million square feet of new and renovated space.

Among the notable projects are the 40,000-seat Football Stadium and Stadium Parking Garage, the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building and the 1A Parking Garage across from Moody Towers. In addition, substantial renovations have been made to the Blaffer Art Museum, the University Center and the Central Plant.

chart comparing university of houston's return on investment of 786,900 dollars compared to the national average of 485,550 dollars

Student success can be measured in a number of ways, and financial reward is one of them. UH is proud to rank among the leaders in keeping its student debt low (No. 7 in the nation) and equally pleased that its graduates go on to such productive careers. Their hard work toward a rewarding career fuels our commitment to helping them achieve it.

Faculty

Inspiring Brilliance

We are now one of five finalists to host a new Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the preeminent academic honor society found at only 10 percent of the nation’s universities. Since chapters are awarded, in large part, based on the number of Phi Beta Kappa members at an institution, UH is in a prime position, with nearly 100 of our faculty now boasting PBK affiliation.

Growth In National Academy Members

chart showing an increase in national academy members from 7 in 2008 to 13 in 2013

With the new addition of two members of the National Academies—Drs. Charles Cutler and Bonnie Dunbar—we now enjoy the largest roster of such academic luminaries in the history of the University of Houston. They represent our dedication to scholastic distinction and research preeminence. They are the epitome of the excellence found throughout our faculty ranks.

Research

Bold Exploration

The trajectory on technology transfer is our most impressive story of the year. Royalties from our licenses have grown to the level where UH now ranks No. 14 among all public universities in the nation and No. 1 in the nation among all public universities without a medical school.

Patent Income

1,373% Growth
chart showing an increase in patent income from 1.1 million dollars in fiscal year 2008 to 16.6 million dollars in fiscal year 2013

Initiatives

Focused Efforts and Bold Achievements Energy | Health | Arts

Energy

UH took a big gamble four years ago. We purchased 75 acres of land with 500,000 sq. ft. of built-up area next to the campus. The Energy Research Park was born. The objective was threefold: to educate and train students for the energy industry, solve energy problems and incubate new ideas. Today, the ERP is home to two academic programs, multiple research centers, two tenant partners and five start-up companies in various stages of development.

C-Voltaics is one of those start-up companies. Launched by UH Physics Professor Dr. Shay Curran, C-Voltaics is the first nanotechnology manufacturing company spun out of the Energy Research Park. It produces nanocoating material out of the test tube and onto our jeans and patio decks. Stronger than anything else in the market for protecting fabric, wood and metal, it’s a technology that has global innovation leaders talking.

Health

The University of Houston already had a huge footprint in the health industry. Now we’re taking it to the next level. Last year we launched new programs to give our undergraduate students direct pathways to the best medical and allied health programs in the region. The Honors College has 23 students in its Biomedical Honors program, which is projected to reach 200 by 2016. This program will train students to proceed directly to medical, nursing, pharmacy, optometry and other allied programs at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Houston.

graduation cap

40% of our sponsored research—from basic and allied sciences to the social sciences and the humanities—is in the area of health.

microscope

11,000+ students are enrolled in degrees that serve and shape the healthcare industry.

test tube

24% of all degrees granted by UH have a pathway—direct or indirect—to health-related jobs.

Arts

Courtesy of a groundbreaking Public Art program that has filled our campus with a dazzling and eclectic array of sculpture, paintings and other media, UH may be considered a work of art in itself. Our campus is a visible reminder of our role to foster creativity, nurture young talent and engage the public. Through live performances, art and design exhibitions, community programs, literary publications, and innovative artistic collaborations, the imprint of UH Arts is felt on campus and throughout the city of Houston.

This past year, the Blaffer Art Museum enjoyed a dynamic renovation and expansion. It’s now among the city’s top venues.

The School of Theatre & Dance helped alumnus Robert Wuhl stage his off-Broadway-bound comedy “Hit-Lit.” Our students gained invaluable professional experience and cut their teeth in the Big Apple.

The Moores Concert Chorale took top honors at yet another international festival, the 13th Annual Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany. Our award-winning music travels the world as a beacon for Houston’s creativity.

We’re committed to supporting the arts in ways that reach beyond our campus. This past year, UH launched the Center for Arts Leadership, which brings together artists, community, faculty and professionals to discuss and implement policy, research and best practices.

Athletics

Building Excitement

The University of Houston hosts one of the most celebrated athletics programs in the country. Proudly participating in 16 intercollegiate sports, our Cougars have won nearly 80 individual and team championships in NCAA competition over the years, with multiple appearances in the Final Four, numerous football bowls and the College World Series. And more than 80 UH athletes and coaches have participated in the Olympics, earning nearly three dozen medals.

This competitive legacy endures. Nowhere is it more clear than the extraordinary new 40,000-seat Football Stadium. It’s dramatically developing from a dream to a reality. When the 2014 season kicks off, Cougar fans and Cougar spirit will fill the completed stadium and fill the air with chants of WHOSE HOUSE? COOG’S HOUSE!

illustration of new football stadium

Alumni & Donors

Our Legacy Builds Houston’s Future

UH enjoyed another record-breaking year in fundraising, demonstrating once again that our community and corporate partners understand the importance of what we do and how we impact the City of Houston.

University Of Houston Alumni Stand Tall In Our City.

14% of Houstonians with a bachelor’s degree earned it from UH. That’s 1 in 7 Houstonians.

Total Gifts And Pledges

in millions
chart showing an increase in total gifts and pledges from 88.4 million dollars in 2008 to 117.8 million dollars in 2013

Our alumni continue to be the heart and soul of our support—and this year, UH made a significant change in how we relate to our former students. The UH Alumni Association, which has operated independently, has now become an integral part of the University. The stage is set for a new era in expanded services and engaging programs.

Fiscal Year 2013

September
October
Nation’s First Master’s Program In Subsea Engineering
November
Khator Honored As International Business Executive of the Year
December
Construction Begins On New Football Stadium
January
Creation of Health Science Center Approved
Former Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar To Lead Uh Stem Center
February
Health and Biomedical Sciences Building Opens Its Doors
March
UH Selected To Develop Social Work Education In China
April
Energy Research Park Receives $1 Million From ConocoPhillips
May
June
UH Among The Top 25 Universities For Hispanics
July
August
UH Among Top Institutions Producing Global CEOs, Says Times Higher Education Report
Undergraduate Program Wins Princeton Review Accolades
photo of president khator

President Renu Khator

Renu Khator is chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of UH, overseeing a four-university organization that serves more than 70,000 students, has an annual budget that exceeds $1.5 billion and generates a $3.8 billion-plus impact on the Greater Houston area’s economy each year.

Khator, who was born in Uttar Pradesh, India, joined some of the world’s most respected leaders when she was named to India’s Global Advisory Council. She serves on several boards, including deputy chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the American Council on Education, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Technology Center, the Texas Medical Center CEO Group and the Business-Higher Education Forum. A noted scholar in the field of global environmental policy, she has authored several books and articles on this subject.

She earned a doctorate and a master’s degree from Purdue University (1985; 1975) as well as a bachelor’s degree from Kanpur University (1973). The first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive public research university in the United States, Khator was appointed in 2008.

UH System Board of Regents

The University of Houston System Board of Regents is the governing body of the University of Houston, providing policy direction and allowing it to achieve its full potential within its role and mission.

The board is composed of 10 members, including a student representative. Every two years, the Governor of Texas appoints three members for six-year terms. The student regent serves a one- year term.

Officers
photo of Jarvis

Jarvis V. Hollingsworth,
Chairman

photo of Nandita

Nandita V. Berry,
Vice Chair

photo of Welcome

Welcome W. Wilson, Jr.,
Secretary

Members
  • Durga D. Agrawal
  • Spencer D. Armour, III
  • Tilman J. Fertitta
  • Paula M. Mendoza
  • Peter K. Taaffe
  • Roger F. Welder
  • Benjamin P. Wells
Established
1927
President
Renu Khator
Enrollment
40,747
Ethnicity
Caucasian (32.2%)
Hispanic (24.9%)
Asian (19%)
African-American (11.3%)
International (8.9%)
Faculty
3,624
Staff
4,205
Degrees Awarded
8,242
Bachelor’s 5,426
Master’s 2,033
Doctoral 304
Professional 479
Alumni
224,000
Total Annual Budget
$1,125,800,000
Research Expenditures
$116,175,000
Annual Tuition/fees
$8,094 (resident undergraduate)
$16,518 (non-resident undergraduate)