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College of Public Service News

A student walking toward the entrance to UHD's College of Public Service.

New Master of Social Work Program Will Expand Career Pathways, Meet Regional Workforce Need

May 18, 2026 | By Hayden Bergman

The university will launch a new Master of Social Work (MSW) program, an initiative that addresses a workforce need while also opening the door for Gators to move beyond entry-level roles.

Headshot of Tim Cannon

Staff Spotlight: Meet Law Enforcement Academy Director Tim Cannon

February 19, 2026 | By Hayden Bergman

Mr. Cannon has decades of leadership experience and provides mentorship while continuing a family legacy.

Dr. Todd Fletcher

vitalvoices: Empowering Every Learner

February 12, 2026 | By Hayden Bergman

This conversation is designed for families, educators, and community members who want to better support bilingual learners with disabilities and become better equipped to provide just and welcoming educational spaces.

Elias Rivera, university of houston-downtown alum and adjunct professor at the college of public service, smiles

Gator Evolution: An Alumnus’ Journey from the Classroom to Crime Scenes and Back Again

February 3, 2026 | By Natalia Ruiz

Elias Rivera entered University of Houston-Downtown's Criminal Justice program in 1999 with a clear goal: become a police officer. At the time, he was 18 and already working at the Harris County Sheriff's Office nearby. The work enabled him to...

students at Houston ISD's Dogan Elementary wave and smile at University of Houston Downtown's mascot Ed-U-Gator

UHD Goes All In on Its Promise to Dogan Elementary

December 19, 2025 | By Marie Jacinto

Right before the winter break on Friday, Dec. 15, Provost Deborah Bordelon, Dean José Ricardo-Osorio, and members of the Office of the President and the Division of Student Success and Student Life headed over to HISD’s Dogan Elementary in Fifth...

Filmon Teweldebrhan and Anaisa Paez Escobar posing for portraits

Gator Students Reflect on Citizenship in Winning Essays

October 9, 2025 | By Hayden Bergman

Anaisa Paez Escobar and Filmon Teweldebrhan detail how struggles transform citizenship into an exercise of hope.

UHD College of Public Service Faculty Member Dr. Liza Lane smiles outside

Turning Heartbreak Into Purpose: The Young Widowhood Project

August 28, 2025 | By Natalia Ruiz

When loss comes too soon, it doesn’t just take away a loved one. It shatters plans, routines, and the very sense of what life was supposed to look like. Young widows face the task of rebuilding while carrying a heavy emotional weight.  In 2020, Dr....

Dean José Ricardo-Osorio ​in a flower-print shirt and blue jacket.

Back to Basics With Dean José Ricardo-Osorio

August 14, 2025 | By Hayden Bergman

Dean Ricardo-Osorio's vision for UHD is a human-centered hub of learning.

Leslie Sirrianni smiles. Sirrianni is the Director of Field Education at University of Houston Downtown's College of Public Service

Leslie Sirrianni Matches Student Passion With Purpose Through Social Work Placements

July 17, 2025 | By Natalia Ruiz

As Director of Field Education for University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, Leslie Sirrianni plays a pivotal role in shaping student experiences beyond the classroom.  A cornerstone of the BSW program is the...

Emily Martinez gives two peace signs while wears graduation cords, a stole, cap and gown at the University of Houston Downtown's 78th Commencement Ceremony

Criminal Justice Alum Spotlight: Emily Martinez

July 9, 2025 | By Sandra Bretting

For recent UHD grad Emily Martinez (’25, Criminal Justice), participating in public roles while a student at UHD mirrored the way she spent her personal time. A longtime community volunteer, Martinez also served in UHD’s student government and...