College of Public Service News
New Master of Social Work Program Will Expand Career Pathways, Meet Regional Workforce Need
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.
Staff Spotlight: Meet Law Enforcement Academy Director Tim Cannon
Mr. Cannon has decades of leadership experience and provides mentorship while continuing a family legacy.
vitalvoices: Empowering Every Learner
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.
Gator Evolution: An Alumnus’ Journey from the Classroom to Crime Scenes and Back Again
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...
UHD Goes All In on Its Promise to Dogan Elementary
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...
Gator Students Reflect on Citizenship in Winning Essays
Anaisa Paez Escobar and Filmon Teweldebrhan detail how struggles transform citizenship into an exercise of hope.
Turning Heartbreak Into Purpose: The Young Widowhood Project
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....
Back to Basics With Dean José Ricardo-Osorio
Dean Ricardo-Osorio's vision for UHD is a human-centered hub of learning.
Leslie Sirrianni Matches Student Passion With Purpose Through Social Work Placements
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...
Criminal Justice Alum Spotlight: Emily Martinez
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...