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UHD News

Dr. William K. Barksdale, former Professor of Management and an MBA Faculty Director, smiles

The Legacy of Dr. Kevin Barksdale

July 22, 2025 | By Marie Jacinto

Although Kevin Barksdale, Ph.D., passed away a little more than three years ago, he is fondly remembered by the faculty, staff, and hundreds of graduates of the Marilyn Davies College of Business for his passion for the MBA program and his tireless...

Gladis Moya holds the President's Staff Excellence Award at the University of Houston Downtown

Gladis Moya’s 25-Year Journey of Service, Growth, and Inspiration at UHD

July 22, 2025

Gladis Moya's 25-year journey at UHD, from student to Manager of Benefits & Compensation, exemplifies dedication, growth, and inspiring leadership as a President's Staff Excellence Award recipient.

Hafsa Khalil smiles alongside fellow medical school students. Projecter behind Khalil reads,

How Hafsa Khalil Discovered Her Passion for Medicine and Global Health

July 22, 2025 | By Alexandria Francetic

For 24-year-old Hafsa Khalil, a UHD graduate and third-year medical student at UT-Southwestern Medical School, her journey in medicine began in middle school.   Originally from Houston, she lived in India with her family for most of her high school...

Rachna Sadana wears a lab coat and gloves while operating a microscope in a lab at the university of houston downtown

Dr. Rachna Sadana Cultivates Minds, Confronts Cancer-Cell Growth

July 17, 2025 | By Hayden Bergman

For Dr. Rachna Sadana, a Professor of Biology and Department Chair in the Natural Sciences department, life and work revolve around two core principles: cultivation and growth. Whether she develops the research skills of her students, pursues...

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...

UHD mascot Ed u gator holds a red apple in front of the marilyn davies college of business building at the university of houston downtown

Food Services' News, July 21-25

July 16, 2025

Note: You can text us your food service feedback at 832-924-3830. Food Truck Tuesday There is no food truck service during summer sessions. Micro Markets Visit our Micro Markets at Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB), Sports & Fitness,...

Dr. Pamplin points to the Accessible Education Center sign at the University of Houston-Downtown campus

Celebrating Disability Pride Month and Creating a Culture of Care at UHD

July 16, 2025 | By Natalia Ruiz

July is Disability Pride Month, which is a time to honor the identity, experiences, and contributions of people with disabilities—and to reaffirm the commitment to inclusion across all areas of society. At the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD),...

Dean Kostantaras, Honors Program Director at University of Houston Downtown, sits aside an open book, laptop, and University of Houston Downtown alum Iker Pelcastre

UHD’s Honors Program Creates Priceless Opportunities

July 15, 2025 | By Marie Jacinto

During his first semester as a freshman in fall 2021, Finance major and May 2025 graduate Iker Pelcastre felt like he was getting lost in the shuffle. “You may meet people in your intro classes, but as you progress into higher-level classes, you...

University of Houston Downtown mascot Ed-U-Gator holds an apple on the south deck

Food Services' News, July 14-18

July 10, 2025

Note: You can text us your food service feedback at 832-924-3830. Food Truck Tuesday There is no food truck service during summer sessions. Micro Markets Visit our Micro Markets at Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB), Sports & Fitness,...

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...