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College of Public Service News

Brandon Jenkins a University of Houston Downtown alum smiles while wearing a red jacket

Brandon Jenkins: From First-Year Teacher to Emerging Educational Leader

June 26, 2025 | By Jasmine Flores

Brandon Jenkins, a recent graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Master of Educational Leadership (MEDL) degree program  is already making an impact in the classroom and beyond. As a first-year teacher, Jenkins enrolled in UHD’s...

Social Work grad Amber Perez wears cords, stole, and graduation gown with University of Houston Downtown logo while smiling on Main Street in downtown Houston

Recent Social Work Grad Pays It Forward

June 5, 2025 | By Kay Medina

At six years old, Amber Perez tragically lost her father and gained a perspective that would shape her entire future. The Social Work major was assigned to a social worker through her school, an experience that ignited her calling to help...

A nurse holds an older adult's hand

Shining a Light on Elder Abuse: UHD To Host Regional Conference on June 20

June 3, 2025 | By Janet Harreld, MFA, MPA, ABD

Every older adult deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. Yet for too many, these basic rights are threatened by a silent and devastating issue: elder abuse. Elder abuse is a largely hidden crisis that affects seniors from all walks of...

The University of Houston-Downtown's One Main Building and White Oak Bayou

A Warm, Gator Welcome to New Leadership at the College of Public Service and Enrollment Management

May 29, 2025 | By Marie Jacinto

  Welcome to the newest members of our Gator Family! Long Huynh, DBA, and José Gabriel Ricardo-Osorio, Ed.D., join us on Monday, June 2, 2025—their first official day as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of the College of Public...

Student receives graduate hood during ceremony.

162 Graduates Receive Their Master’s

May 15, 2025

UHD's Graduate Hooding Ceremony on May 10th celebrated 162 master's graduates from various programs, including the first Educational Leadership cohort.

Chief Diaz poses for a photo in a formal police uniform. The american flag is behind him.

From Harlingen to Houston, Chief J. Noe Diaz Walked a Challenging Path

February 14, 2025 | By Kay Medina

Discover the inspiring journey of UHD alum and Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, Jr., from a small-town boy to leading Texas' largest law enforcement agency.

Henry Gonzales wears a blazer and is posing in front of a Floyd Newsum painting at the College of Public Service.

Passion to Profession: UHD Alum Henry Gonzales' Impact on Juvenile Justice

February 7, 2025 | By Kay Medina

From UHD student to Harris County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Henry Gonzales shares his journey. Now an adjunct professor, he inspires students with real-world experience and a passion for juvenile justice.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

January 7, 2025

Welcome to our series on alums from UHD's College of Public Service's Criminal Justice program who have had a significant impact on the Houston community and beyond. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez kicked off his long-standing role in law...

Constable Alan Rosen, a UHD alum, smiles at the College of Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Constable Alan Rosen

December 12, 2024 | By Katherine Medina

Welcome to our series on alums from UHD's College of Public Service's Criminal Justice program who have had a significant impact on the Houston community and beyond. When Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Precinct 1, graduated from UHD’s Police...

Lucia Romo poses in the main hallway at UHD Northwest campus

A Dream Realized: Mother of Five Takes on the Classroom

November 22, 2024 | By Marie Jacinto

Lucia Romo is the President of the Be a Teacher Club and Associate Dean of Community Engagement of DAIR to Teach. The best part? She graduates in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Education for Early Childhood through Grade Six with Bilingual Supplement.