Skip to main content
Presidential search banner

UHD Presidential Search

Announcing Our Search

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is seeking out qualified presidential candidates who are interested in advancing our university’s mission of nurturing talent, generating knowledge, and driving socioeconomic mobility for a just and sustainable future.

UHD is in an exciting phase of growth. To maintain the momentum, the next president is responsible for:

  • Lead the university with strategic administrative precision to sustain and amplify its core mission, ensuring operational excellence while nurturing and expanding upon the traditions and distinctive institutional identity that define UHD
  • Building, maintaining, and promoting collaborative and productive relationships across campus, the local community, and the region
  • Leverage University of Houston System resources and strategic support to ensure the university has all the necessary tools for long-term success and growth
  • Creatively and proactively working as a change agent to better the university, the community, and the region.

The president reports directly to the UH System chancellor and has the autonomy to bring the best ideas to advance the mission, vision, brand, and efficacy of UHD in an open and supportive environment. This position requires a visionary and strategic thinker who provides strong and capable leadership in addressing the academic, operational, and strategic issues facing the university.

Apply Now
Nominate a Candidate

Presidential Prospectus

UHD is searching for a bold, collaborative leader ready to shape the future of one of Houston's most distinctive universities. Our next president will champion student success, deepen community partnerships, and expand UHD's role as a driver of social mobility and workforce development in one of America's fastest-growing cities. If you are a visionary leader committed to transforming lives through higher education, this is your opportunity to shape the next era of urban higher education and serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation across one of the country's most dynamic metropolitan areas.
Download the Presidential Prospectus
Commerce street building - College of Public Service

About the University of Houston-Downtown

UHD is a comprehensive four-year university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs aimed at nurturing talent, generating knowledge, and driving socioeconomic mobility for a just and sustainable future. UHD has served the educational needs of Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., for more than 50 years. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, one of the nation’s most culturally diverse metropolitan areas, UHD offers one of the lowest public university tuition rates in the city and ranks No. 27 among Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023-24).

Serving more than 13,000 students, UHD is one of three distinct universities within the University of Houston System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Search Committee

The Search Committee will be assisted by Anthem Executive and will complete its work during the summer and fall semesters, with the hope of filling the position by next spring.  The full list of committee members is below.

Co-Chairs:

  • Jack B. Moore, Chairman, UH System Board of Regents
  • Dona Cornell, Vice Chancellor tor Legal Affairs and General counsel, UH System

UH System Regent Representative

  • Alonzo Cantu, Regent, UH System Board of Regents


Committee Members:


  • Jason Smith
    Vice Chancellor of Government and Community Relations, UH System
  • Richard Walker
    President, UH-Clear Lake
  • Kimberly Lambert-Thomas
    Vice President of Administration and Finance, UHD
  • Jonathan Davis
    Interim Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, UHD
  • Travis Crone
    Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, UHD
  • Ashley Blackburn
    Professor and Interim Chair of Criminal Justice and Social Work, College of Public Service, UHD
  • Maria Benavides
    Professor of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Technology; Faculty Council Member, UHD
  • Whitney Botsford Morgan
    Professor of Management, Marilyn Davies College of Business, UHD
  • Ashleigh Petts
    Assistant Professor of English, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; 2026-27 Faculty Council Presiding Officer, UHD
  • Yesenia Sanchez
    2025-26 Staff Council President, UHD
  • Kemberley Osorto
    2026-27 Student Government Association President, UHD
  • Zamaiah Robertson
    2026-27 Graduate and Professional Student Association President, UHD
  • Paula Mendoza
    UHD Community Member

The Future of UHD

Strategic Plan
Budget
Campus Master Plan

FAQs

The University of Houston System Board of Regents has partnered with Anthem Executive to conduct the presidential search.

Our search committee, which is comprised of leaders among our faculty, staff, students, and community members, is tasked with developing a strong and diverse pool of candidates, screening eligible applicants, inviting finalists for campus interviews, and providing its assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each interviewee.

Members of the university community are encouraged to share their insights on the presidential search by completing the UHD Presidential Needs Survey.

To nominate a candidate, please provide their name and contact information to Anthem Executive at UHDPresident@AnthemExecutive.com.

  • Late Spring 2026
    Community-wide listening sessions, development of leadership profile
  • June 2026
    Launch of the national search
  • July to September 2026
    Candidate recruitment, semifinalist selection, and interviews
  • October to December 2026
    Selection and interview of finalists, recommendations to the Board of Regents, and approval of the president by the Board of Regents

  • Visionary and Strategic: The candidate must be a forward-thinking leader who can articulate a compelling vision to attract students, faculty, and donors while navigating the challenges of an urban public university.
  • Collaborative and Inclusive: A strong emphasis is placed on a collaborative leadership style that values shared governance and engages faculty, staff, students, and alumni in meaningful dialogue.
  • Innovative Change Agent: UHD is looking for someone who embraces innovation and acts as a proactive change agent to improve the university and the surrounding region.
  • Accountable and Disciplined: The ideal leader demonstrates fiscal stewardship, organizational excellence, and accountability for the university's projects and resources.

Per UHS Board of Regents Policy 02.02, "The Board appoints the Executive Officers upon recommendation of the Chancellor. The Board is responsible for the employment, evaluation, and dismissal of the Executive Officers; however, the Chancellor has the authority to make recommendations to the Board on the employment, evaluation, and dismissal of the Executive Officers."