THE OPPORTUNITY
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) announces a nationwide search for its next Senior Vice
President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost. The Senior Vice President and Provost serves
as the Chief Academic Officer of the University and works collaboratively with the President, Vice
Presidents and Deans to further the academic mission of the institution and the success of its students.
The Senior Vice President and Provost oversees the Division of Student Affairs, which includes
enrollment management and the services, programs and activities designed to augment the academic
experience of students and their success.
Founded in 1974, UHD is one of four distinct universities in the University of Houston System (UHS)
governed by the UHS Board of Regents. Led by President Juan Sánchez Muñoz, UHD is a comprehensive
urban public university committed to providing quality academic programs that serve the needs of the
diverse population of Houston and the surrounding region. Through instructional excellence, scholarly
activities and community involvement, the University makes a significant contribution to the city’s
economic development.
UHD offers 45 undergraduate and eight master’s degree programs as well as 15 online undergraduate
degree-completions programs and three fully online master’s degrees that prepare students for
professional careers and leadership roles in five degree-granting colleges: Marilyn Davies College of
Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, College of Sciences and
Technology, and University College. The National Science Foundation has recognized UHD's Scholars
Academy as a highly effective active learning community for students in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics. To learn more about the University of Houston-Downtown, visit
www.uhd.edu.
Reporting to the President, the Senior Vice President and Provost will continue to build UHD as an
engaged public university that prepares students to graduate fully prepared to begin successful careers,
enter graduate programs or transition into leadership roles. The Senior Vice President and Provost will
have an earned doctorate and will possess exemplary interpersonal and communication skills and a
dedication to positively changing the lives of students through a proven track record of commitment to
excellence in teaching and scholarship. The Senior Vice President and Provost will support the
University’s dedication to engagement with the Houston community and will provide leadership in the
design of new degree programs, expansion of research, continued emphasis on student success and
access, and other significant student success indicators. More information about the Provost search is
available at www.uhd.edu/provostsearch.
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POISED FOR EXCELLENCE
The University of Houston-Downtown is located in Houston, Texas—the fourth most populous city (2.2
million residents) in the United States. The city is the largest in the South and Southwest. Known as the
Bayou City, Houston was founded in 1836 at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou.
UHD’s One Main Building sits at this historic location in the heart of the central business district.
Houston is the leader in the Lone Star State with the most Fortune 500 companies (25) and is home to
the second largest concentration of Fortune 1000 companies in the country (49) behind New York (72).
Downtown Houston area also serves as the nexus of the city’s cultural scene, which boasts one of only
five U.S. cities to have resident professional companies in the four major performing arts disciplines:
ballet, opera, symphony, and theater. Texas has 20 cultural districts, of which six are in Houston.
The city is one of the premiere sport destinations in the U.S. with world-class sporting events—from the
NCAA Final Four to Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo to Super Bowl LI. Houston’s five professional sport
teams (Astros, Dynamo, Texans, Rockets, Dash) have long-winning traditions where loyal fans come
together in four stadiums that hold more than 150,000 fans.
The city’s METRORail connects UHD with the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical complex in the
world—with 106,000 employees, 54 institutions and more 7.2 million visitors annually. The light rail
provides service along nearly 23 miles of central Houston from Downtown to the Museum District to the
Houston Zoo to NRG Park and other city destinations.
UHD’s student body reflects the city’s diversity, with 25% of Houston residents born in another country,
contributing to its growing reputation as a culinary destination that offers more than 10,000 restaurants.
Houston’s status as an international city is reflected in the nation’s third largest consular corps, with
92 nations represented. The Port of Houston ranks as the country’s top port in shipping foreign tonnage.
Johnson Space Center, the headquarters of NASA, lies within the Houston metropolitan area.
UHD is positioned and continues to strengthen its positive contribution to Houston’s economy by
educating the city’s most precious resource, its people. UHD alumni added $1.2 billion in income to the
regional economy (Economic Modeling Specialist Int'l. “Demonstrating the Economic Value of the
University of Houston-Downtown.” Reporting FY2013, Published January 2015)
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UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN: OVERVIEW
Mission
The University of Houston-Downtown is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor’s and
selected master’s degree programs and providing strong academic and career preparation as well as
lifelong learning opportunities. Located in the heart of the city, the University reflects the diversity of
the greater Houston metropolitan area and through its academic programs engages with the community
to address the needs and advance the development of the region. UHD is an inclusive community
dedicated to integrating teaching, service and scholarly research to develop students’ talents and
prepare students for success in a dynamic global society.
Vision
The University of Houston-Downtown will be a premier city university engaging every student in
high-impact educational experiences and ensuring that students graduate with 21st-century skills.
UHD’s Shared Values
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Excellence: UHD nurtures excellence in teaching, learning, scholarly work and stewardship of
the University for the benefit of students, the community and the academy.
Student Success: UHD facilitates and supports students in achieving their full potential for
academic, personal and career growth through excellent programs.
Inclusiveness: UHD values diversity and promotes access to higher education through flexible
and affordable programs.
Respect: UHD treats all individuals with respect and dignity and promotes collegiality,
cooperation and open communication.
Integrity: UHD is committed to the highest ethical standards in its operations and holds itself
accountable to its constituencies.
UHD Today
UHD is the second largest four-year public university in Houston and the 13th largest public university in
Texas. Its non-residential, modern campus is located on the northern edge of Houston's central business
district at the fork of the Buffalo and White Oak Bayous. The University's proximity to Downtown
provides opportunities for internships at major corporations and enables excellent access to these
The University enrolls more than 14,000 full- and part-time students, and employs more than 700 fulland part-time faculty members, 570 full- and part-time staff. In fall 2016, student enrollment reached
more than 14,000 students, a significant step toward the goal of 18,000 students by the year 2020.
Drawing students from across the greater Houston area, UHD is one of the most ethnically diverse
institutions in the Southwest—reflecting the region’s wealth of cultures, languages and nationalities.
The diverse student body is composed of individuals of the following ethnicities: 43 percent Hispanic, 26
percent African American, 18 percent White and 10 percent Asian. A federally designated MinorityServing-Institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution, UHD is ranked by Diverse Issues in Higher Education
as 50th nationally for graduating Hispanics and 59th nationally for graduating African Americans with
bachelor’s degrees.
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The average age of a UHD student is 27 years. More than 50 percent of UHD students pursue their
degrees part-time. The student body includes first-time-in-college (FTIC) students, transfer students and
returning adults. Significant numbers of students are working professionals who balance their academic
endeavors with family and work commitments. UHD offers students flexibility in scheduling classes
including daytime, evening and weekend options. Students can choose from face-to-face and online
classes as well as hybrid classes that blend the two instruction options. The University also offers classes
and degrees at distance locations, UHD Northwest, UHD-CyFair and UHD-Kingwood in partnership with
Lone Star College.
The University offers students top-quality academic programs that are flexible and affordable, with the
lowest tuition and fees of any public university in Houston. Recently, UHD was recognized for its service
to nontraditional students and earned a place at No. 16 among the “50 Best Colleges for Adult
Education” institutions compiled by Great Value Colleges. The University of Houston-Downtown has
been consistently recognized in the following rankings:
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Among top colleges for adults returning to school – Best College Reviews (2015)
Best Regional Universities in the West – U.S. News & World Report (2015)
Ranked No. 1 MBA Program in Houston (based on enrollment) – Houston Business Journal
Leader in graduating minorities – Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (2012, 2011)
Among top 100 colleges (degree awarding) in U.S. for Hispanics – The Hispanic Outlook (2014)
Among the most affordable bachelors of communications undergraduate degrees –
Affordableschools.net (2015)
No. 29 for with the most affordable online master’s degrees – Top Education Degrees (2015)
Ranked No. 2 in online degrees in Houston – Great Value College (2015)
Named a Military Friendly School – G.I. Jobs (2015, 2014, 2012, 2011)
2015 Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification Carnegie Foundation (2015)
President's Community Service Honor Roll Corporation for National and Community Service
Ranked 18th for best Texas Colleges based on alumni pay Houston Chronicle (2015)
Graduates enjoy successful careers in business, education, sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences.
Their education prepares them for careers, professional advancement, and pursuit of graduate or
professional degrees. A faculty-to-student ratio of 20 to 1 and a supportive atmosphere engage students
in their education in meaningful ways with opportunities for undergraduate research, outreach,
capstone courses and internships. The faculty and administration have made a commitment to expand
these high-impact practices and provide every UHD student with an opportunity for hands-on, engaged
learning during their academic careers.
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UHD Research Award Activity
A goal to increase research to $10 million by 2020 has invigorated faculty and staff pursuit of sponsored
research funding opportunities, with particular attention to grant opportunities for federally designated
Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Minority-Serving Institutions. In FY15, sponsored project awards
totaled $6 million. Since 2013, sponsored funding has increased from $5 million to $6 million; and plans
are in place to continue along this path to the 2020 goal.
Annual Budget
The University of Houston-Downtown planning and budget process is open and inclusive, led by the
Planning & Budget Development Committee (PBDC), which is composed of the Senior Vice President and
Provost, Vice Presidents, and faculty and staff representatives. The process aligns with the UHD Strategic
Plan. Planning begins at the unit level. Unit plans are reviewed by the appropriate Vice Presidents and
synthesized into division plans, which then are presented to the PBDC. The PBDC and the Senior Vice
President and Provost present the final plan to the President and, ultimately, to the University of
Houston System Chancellor and Board of Regents. The University’s total budget for the 2015-2016
academic year is $190.8 million, with operating funds of approximately $173 million.
Sources of revenue for the total budget include the following:
 State Appropriated Funds including Higher Education Assistance Funds (HEAF)
($37.9 million/21%)
 Tuition and Fees ($86.1 million/50%)
 Contracts & Grants ($37.4 million/22%)
 Endowment & Gifts ($3.3 million/2%)
 Other operating ($8.4 million/5%)
Categories of expense per the NACUBO classification system are as follows:
 Instruction ($47.4 million/27.5%)
 Research ($2.2 million/1.3%)
 Academic Support ($29.7 million/17.2%)
 Public Service ($4.2 million/2.4%)
 Student Service ($5.9 million/3.4%)
 Institutional Support ($21.2 million/12.3%)
 Physical Plant ($7.3 million/4.2%)
 Scholarship & Fellowship ($46 million/26.7%)
 Auxiliary ($8.6 million/5%)
The UHD campus is comprised of nine buildings totaling 1.4 million gross square feet on 24 acres. In
spring 2016, the University opened a new $21.4 million, 26,000-square-foot Welcome Center to
enhance the entrance of the campus. UHD celebrated a milestone in 2012 with the enrollment of the
first Masters of Business Administration class in the College of Business. Additionally, the 84th Texas
Legislature appropriated $60 million to UHD to build a new Science and Technology building. In 2017,
the College of Business received a $10 million endowment from native Houstonian Marilyn Davies, CEO
of Bailey Banks Seismic, to support the College’s growing programs, exceptional faculty, and student
resources. In recognition of the gift, the College is now the Marilyn Davies College of Business.
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ROLE OF THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST
The Senior Vice President and Provost will report to the President of the University of HoustonDowntown, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz. The Senior Vice President and Provost will serve as the Chief
Academic Officer of the University and will work collaboratively with the President, Vice Presidents and
Deans to further the academic mission of the institution. This position is responsible for developing and
implementing the vision and management of academic and student affairs, including academic
priorities, enrollment management, operations, special initiatives, and budgeting. An organizational
chart is included as Appendix II.
Shared Governance
The Senior Vice President and Provost will work closely with the Faculty Senate for the good of the
institution. The exchange of ideas and the involvement of diverse groups in collective decision-making
support a vibrant and growing institution.
The Faculty Senate is composed of elected representatives from all academic departments. Senators are
elected by and are members of the Faculty Assembly, which is composed of full-time tenured and
tenure-track faculty. The Faculty Senate conducts elections for representatives to three standing
University shared governance committees: Academic Policies, Faculty Affairs and University Curriculum.
The Faculty Senate’s Committee on Committees and the Credentials and Elections Committee recruit
nominations and conduct elections for representatives to the Faculty Senate and numerous Universitywide committees.
For more information about the UHD Faculty Senate, visit UHD Faculty Senate.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP
The University has developed a series of bold strategic initiatives that provide major opportunities for
the students and the institution. The Senior Vice President and Provost will bring vision, focus and
dedication to these key opportunities, as outlined in the Revised Strategic Plan 2015-2020.
www.uhd.edu/president/Pages/presidentsoffice-strategicplan.aspx
Strategic Plan Goals through Year 2020
Goal 1: Student Success
Advise, retain, and educate an increasing number of students who meet the workforce needs.
• 28% six-year First-Time-in College (FTIC) graduation rate
• 75% first-year retention
• 60% second-year retention
Goal 2: Student Access
Recruit an increasing number of qualified students from the diverse community.
• 18,000 overall students (undergraduate and graduate, combined)
• 175,000 total semester credit hours
• Graduate Hours: 10% of total semester credit hours
Goal 3: Programmatic Advancement
Develop nationally and regionally prominent academic programs that provide students with
high-impact experiences and opportunities to gain 21st century skills.
• 10-12 new academic and professional programs and certificates
Goal 4: Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities
Recruit, retain and support a highly qualified faculty. Encourage faculty research, scholarship
and creative activities to enhance culture and to contribute to regional development.
• $10 million annually in research awards
Goal 5: External Partnerships
Strengthen external relations with alumni, friends of the University, local and regional
communities and businesses, and legislative and governmental entities.
• $30 million in external funding
Goal 6: Administration and Infrastructure
Invest in staff, infrastructure, and processes that support the institution.
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UHD seeks an outstanding leader to shape an academic vision and plan that supports and complements
the University’s strategic plan. UHD strives to capitalize on its growing reputation to attract
opportunities for collaboration as an economic development partner for one of the country’s most
dynamic cities. As with any public university, UHD must be responsive to its constituencies and must
provide affordable, accessible and academically rigorous higher education options while managing
resources wisely. The Senior Vice President and Provost is expected to engage faculty, students, staff,
and campus leaders in forging an exciting academic path for this comprehensive public University as it
serves the needs of the richly diverse population of Houston and the surrounding region.
Student Enrollment and Retention
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) provides leadership and coordination for the
Texas higher education system. The agency is in the process of updating the state’s higher education
plan, “Closing the Gaps,” which outlines goals to establish Texas as a national leader in higher education.
The new plan includes the goal that by 2030, at least 60 percent of Texans, ages 25-34, will hold a postsecondary credential. The plan also includes the expectation that all graduates, regardless of major or
credential, will complete college having gained measurable and definable marketable skills.
Slightly more than 29.2% of Houston residents hold a four-year college degree (Source: U.S. Census
Bureau). By increasing enrollment, retention and graduation rates, UHD will contribute to furthering
THECB’s goal and enhancing the Houston region’s ability to be competitive in a global economy.
One of UHD’s strategic priorities is to increase the
number of first-time freshmen who select UHD as
their first-choice institution while continuing to serve
a growing transfer and adult population. A key role for
the Senior Vice President and Provost will be to work
collaboratively across the institution to strategically
manage enrollment. The Senior Vice President and
Provost will be expected to launch initiatives that
increase the recruitment of students with the
potential to succeed, significantly raise the retention
rate for first-time college freshmen and substantially
improve graduation rates.
Prominent Academic Programs
UHD’s strategic plan identifies new program development as a key goal. Given UHD’s proximity to a high
concentration of Fortune 500 businesses and industries with national and international reach, the
University has a remarkable opportunity to respond to the need for highly qualified graduates. The
Senior Vice President and Provost will work collaboratively with UH System leadership to define
sustainable niche and market positions for UHD with a mix of traditional, online and hybrid programs
that serve the business community and provide students with experiences and opportunities needed to
succeed. In addition, the Senior Vice President and Provost will ensure that quantifiable goals and
metrics and sound assessment and accountability measures are employed to improve the quality and
reputation of existing academic programs.
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High-Impact Experiences
The expansion of opportunities to participate
in high-impact experiences is a key goal
within UHD’s strategic plan. These highimpact practices include internships, service
opportunities, linked courses, undergraduate
research, capstone courses and communitybased learning to engage students in the
application of classroom instruction. UHD
faculty and staff have joined to increase these
opportunities, keeping in mind that research
shows that such experiences benefit all
students and in particular improve retention
and graduation rates for FTIC students.
Scholarly and Creative Accomplishment
Through increased efforts to secure state and federal funds for sponsored research, UHD seeks to
leverage its strengths and location to enable faculty to grow and flourish and to provide opportunities
for students to engage in critical thinking through research. The Senior Vice President and Provost will
work with faculty to identify, evaluate and implement strategies to increase scholarly activity and to
enhance pedagogical skills. The institution has a goal to establish a benchmark of $10 million annually in
research funding by 2020.
Community Engagement
In 2015, UHD was one of only five universities in Texas — and the only university in Houston — to
receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching. The foundation recognized UHD for curricular and co-curricular community
service excellence. Students, faculty and staff contributed more than 73,000 community service hours,
serving approximately 82,000 individuals in Houston.
The purpose of UHD’s community engagement is the
partnership of knowledge and resources with the
public and private sectors to enrich scholarship,
research and creative activity; enhance curriculum,
teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged
citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic
responsibility; address critical societal issues; and
contribute to the public good. Community service is
at the heart of the University and is central to its
mission to educate and shape tomorrow’s
community, business, education, criminal justice,
scientific, and nonprofit leaders.
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Faculty Development
UHD faculty members demonstrate an exemplary level of commitment to helping students succeed.
This dedication fosters a close-knit community and a culture that values teaching excellence. Given the
changing landscape, new programs and growing integration of technology with pedagogy, UHD expects
to serve as a model for effective and creative teaching strategies.
Infrastructure Development
The Senior Vice President and Provost will work collaboratively across the UH System and with UHD
leadership to identify opportunities for maximum growth, investment, impact and sustainability.
Although UHD has done much to recoup shortfalls sustained after budget cuts in the 2009, 2011 and
2013 sessions of the Texas Legislature, the state’s funding formula per credit hour remains lower than in
2011. In addition, increased staffing and infrastructure costs continue to strain resources. UHD
continues to move forward on its strategic plan by balancing its resource allocation process with
strategic priorities and assessment.
In 2015, the Legislature authorized $60 million in capital bonds for the construction of a facility to house
its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources. This structure will address
UHD’s commitment to educate increased numbers of trained professionals to populate the workforces
of Houston’s energy, technology and medical sectors. Whereas the bonds will provide significant funding
for construction, additional fundraising will be required to complete the facility.
UH System is in the planning phase of a $1 billion comprehensive campaign. The Senior Vice President
and Provost will work with UHD’s academic leadership to establish fundraising priorities. In addition to
the STEM building, areas for investment will include scholarship support and funding for programs that
support high-impact practices.
The Legislature has encouraged public higher education institutions to guarantee tuition rates for
students. In fall 2014, UHD began offering a fixed tuition rate plan to insulate students from annual
increases while rewarding them for completing their studies on time. After a small pilot group enrolled
in the plan in fall 2014, the number grew to 672 students in fall 2015. In addition to benefiting students,
the plan is projected to be advantageous to UHD by providing greater resources to address institutional
priorities and by enabling the University to experience an increase in the percentage of students who
graduate in four years.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The University of Houston-Downtown seeks candidates who have exceptional leadership skills, proven
capability of developing and implementing an academic vision, and an accomplished administrative and
scholarly background. The Senior Vice President and Provost will hold a terminal degree, preferably in a
discipline offered by the University, and will demonstrate a record of academic accomplishment and
scholarship that merits appointment as a tenured full professor.
Position responsibilities include the following:
 Serves as the Chief Academic Officer responsible for vision and overall coordination of academic
programs, including academic priorities, operations, long-range planning and resource
development, strategic decision making, and budgeting.
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Provides visionary leadership and coordination of the University’s enrollment, admissions,
registration, international involvement and other student services.
Manages the academic area, including implementation of the University’s strategic plan and
academic plans; defines and articulates the roles and activities of deans and direct reports.
Coordinates and leads student success initiatives and academic and program assessment,
particularly efforts to improve student retention and graduation rates.
Oversees development, implementation and assessment of new degree programs and uses
data-driven decision-making to strengthen existing programs and to ensure value to students
and employers.
Provides direction for research and creative endeavors, particularly related to grant, contract
and research activities.
Fosters commitment to diversity by building an inclusive and supportive environment for
teaching, learning, service and scholarship and by recruiting a diverse faculty and student affairs
staff and leadership.
Promotes and facilitates shared governance and promotes data-driven decision-making
processes that are collaborative and transparent across the University.
Oversees accreditation efforts and upholds academic standards set by national, regional and
professional accrediting bodies.
Administers promotion and tenure process, faculty hiring and appointments, and other
personnel actions as defined in institutional policies and procedures and based on the strategic
priorities of the University.
Oversees development and implementation of a strategic enrollment management plan.
Promotes cooperation, collaboration and partnerships with other institutions of higher
education on a regional, national and international basis.
Maintains a visible profile on campus and with external constituencies and engages with the
faculty, student, alumni and staff communities.
Additional personal qualifications include the following:
 Strong record of sustained and effective leadership and administration in higher education
management at the dean or vice president level.
 Appreciation for serving the educational needs of an economically and demographically diverse
population, particularly in urban settings.
 Demonstrated success in improving retention and graduation rates, particularly with firstgeneration underserved students.
 Strong record of academic excellence and scholarly accomplishments, including support for
extramural funded research.
 Strong record of success with expansion of distance education; online learning; and high-impact,
experiential and problem-based learning.
 Evidence of creative leadership, innovation, problem-solving and organizational change.
 Experience with accreditation, assessment and reporting, including developing and
implementing a QEP plan for SACSCOC or similar special emphasis for accreditation.
 Commitment to consensus-building, shared governance and constructive interactions through
open, transparent and collaborative leadership.
 Collegial and transparent communication style with excellent interpersonal communication
skills.
 Highest standards of ethical decision-making and integrity.
 Commitment to diversity, fairness and public service.
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ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost is responsible for
oversight of curriculum development and academic standards; administration of the W.I. Dykes Library;
and management of the Offices of Continuing Education, Distance Education, Sponsored Research and
Programs, International Education, Institutional Research, and Academic Advising. In addition to
leadership roles at UHD, the Senior Vice President and Provost serves as a member of the Provost
Council of the University of Houston System, which reviews all new program proposals developed by the
component universities of the UH System and oversees system-wide academic initiatives.
The Division of Academic Affairs leadership team, its academic structures and programs are described in
detail on the UHD Academic Affairs website.
www.uhd.edu/academic
The Senior Vice President and Provost will manage a full-time faculty of more than 350, with a total of
710 faculty positions. In addition, there are more than 200 staff positions within the Academic Affairs
area.
The Senior Vice President and Provost is responsible for an annual Academic Affairs budget of about $70
million.
Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost
The following areas report directly to the Senior Vice President and Provost and form the Academic
Leadership Council:
 Office of Academic Affairs:
Graduate Studies, Undergraduate Studies, Institutional Effectiveness, Research and
Sponsored Programs, W.I. Dykes Library
 Academic Deans:
Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Service, Sciences and Technology,
University College
Other Units and Departments of Academic Affairs
The W.I. Dykes Library collection includes more than 203,000 book volumes, more than 342,000 digital
books and more than 94,000 journals, in addition to audiovisual resources and databases.
The Office of Distance Education is committed to increasing access to higher education across the
Houston region through courses and programs offered off-site. These include the following:
 Lone Star College-CyFair
 Lone Star College-Kingwood
 UHD Northwest at Lone Star College-University Park
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The Office of International and Study Abroad Programs serves as a clearinghouse for information about
international and domestic study opportunities.
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness supports units throughout the University in their continuing
efforts to accomplish UHD's mission.
The Office of Institutional Research provides planning, data collection and internal research support.
The Office of Continuing Education consists of the Applied Business & Technology Center, which
provides continuing education opportunities and consulting services, and the English Language Institute.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs supports faculty and staff seeking sponsored project
funding to develop, manage and implement research activity.
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DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
The Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management provides leadership and support to facilitate
the delivery of comprehensive and holistically designed student services that support and complement
the classroom experience. The goal of these efforts is to increase student enrollment and support
students’ academic success, persistence and graduation.
The Division is composed of two broad areas:
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Enrollment Management
Departments directly involved in enrollment: Department of Admissions, Registrar, Testing
Services and Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Student Affairs
Departments providing student services that support and complement the classroom
experience: Sports & Fitness, Student Activities, Career Services, Veteran Services, Disability
Services, Counseling Services, Student Health Services, Educational Talent Search and Upward
Bound
The Senior Vice President and Provost oversees a Student Affairs staff of 123 and an operating budget of
$11 million for the Division and a scholarship and financial aid budget of $46 million.
Accreditation
The University of Houston-Downtown is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The most recent university-wide decennial review was in 2016, and
the most recent Fifth-Year Interim Report was in 2012. UHD is a SACS Level III institution (highest degree
offered = master’s degree).
Information about additional accreditations are in Appendix III.
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UHD PRESIDENT: JUAN SÁNCHEZ MUÑOZ
Dr. Muñoz was appointed as the sixth president of the University of HoustonDowntown in 2017.
Previously, he served as Texas Tech University’s (TTU) vice provost for
undergraduate education and student affairs, and senior vice president for
institutional diversity, equity and community engagement. In this role, Dr.
Muñoz oversaw more than 40 units and departments including the TTU Ethics
Center and the Teaching, Learning and Professional Development Center, and
the Office of Academic Engagement. He joined Texas Tech University in 2004 as
an associate professor in the College of Education. He served as a special
assistant to the president and later joined the institution’s provost’s office.
Dr. Muñoz’s academic research interests include educational access, equity and the advancement of
public school students. Before joining Texas Tech, Dr. Muñoz was an assistant professor at California
State University, Fullerton in the Department of Secondary Education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in
psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master of arts in Mexican-American
Studies with an emphasis in literature from California State University, Los Angeles. Muñoz was awarded
a Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied curriculum and
instruction in the Division of Urban Schooling.
Prior to his career in higher education, Dr. Muñoz was a secondary school teacher and also served as a
sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
UHD HISTORY
In 1974, the University of Houston acquired the assets of South Texas Junior College and opened the
University of Houston-Downtown College (UHDC) at One Main Street as a four-year institution. By the
end of the 1970s, the Texas Legislature had approved UHDC as a distinct university in the University of
Houston System.
From the outset, the University focused on meeting the needs of Houston’s diverse and dynamic
workforce. The college’s first four-year degree was a bachelor of science in Criminal Justice.
By the early 1980s, the name was changed to reflect the University’s growth and expansion, and the
University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) became a full university partner in the UH System. UHD moved
into the 1990s as the state’s third fastest growing university and focused on becoming a premier
metropolitan university, appealing to traditional and nontraditional students, particularly working
professionals. The Weekend College Program began, and facilities grew to include the Academic Building
and the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center.
The history of the University’s campus began in 1929, when the signature One Main Building was
constructed on the banks of White Oak Bayou and Buffalo Bayou. Known as the Merchants and
Manufacturers Building, or the M&M Building, the facility is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places and served the city for decades as a center for commerce and manufacturing.
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UHD’s expansion and physical growth continued. The historic Willow Street Pump Station was
renovated, and the Commerce Street Building opened in 2003, providing a new home for the College of
Public Service. Growing enrollment created a need for expanded facilities, and the Shea Street Building
opened in August 2007 as the new home of the College of Business, now the Marilyn Davies College of
Business.
The University of Houston System
The University of Houston System (UHS) is a group of four universities, two branch campuses and two
multi-institution teaching centers governed by the UHS Board of Regents. The UH System components
have a $3 billion-plus impact on the annual economy of the Houston area. The UH System also includes
Houston Public Media, composed of TV station KUHT (the nation’s first educational TV station) and two
radio stations, KUHF and KUHA. More information is available at www.uhsystem.edu.
University of Houston System Facts at a Glance
 UH System is composed of the University of Houston (UH), UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown,
UH-Victoria, UH-Sugar Land and UH System at Cinco Ranch. There are branch campuses in
Pearland and northwest Houston.
 Total enrollment for the UH System is more than 70,000.
 UH System has more than 5,000 faculty members, including 1,500 tenured and tenure- track
positions.
 UH System is governed by a 10-member Board of Regents appointed by the Governor of Texas
and led by System Chancellor Renu Khator.
 The total budget for the UH System is more than $1.7 billion, including capital construction.
 The UH System operating budget is more than $1.5 billion. The annual debt service for UH
System is $54 million. The bond rating for the UH System is Aa2.
Houston Metropolitan Area
The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metropolitan Statistical Area (Houston MSA) consists of 10 counties:
Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller.
The Houston Metro area:
 Ranks fourth among U.S. cities, with a population of 6,490,180 in its 10-county metropolitan
statistical area as of mid-2014.
 Covers more than 10,000 square miles.
 Has an estimated gross metropolitan product of $535.1 billion in 2015, the fourth highest in the
U.S., according to IHS Global Insight.
 Recorded more than 2.9 billion payroll jobs in June 2015, more than the job counts of 35
U.S. states, including Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
More information about Houston is available at the Greater Houston Partnership.
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PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Recruitment is underway. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Senior Vice
President and Provost is selected, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials to the
email address below by August 15, 2017. Nominations and requests for more information should be
directed to [email protected]. To assure optimal consideration, candidates should provide a
resume or CV, letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the
leadership profile, and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be
contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent
electronically via email to the consultants at Witt/Kieffer; Ann Yates and Sophie Stava, who can be
contacted at [email protected].
Material that must be mailed may be sent to:
Senior Vice President and Provost
University of Houston-Downtown
C/O - WITT/KIEFFER
Attention: Ann Yates and Sophie Stava
215 Spring Road, Suite 510
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
The position description may be found online, www.uhd.edu/provostsearch
The University of Houston-Downtown is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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APPENDICES
Appendix I: UHD Facts at a Glance
Fall 2016 Enrollment: 14,251
Number of Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s Degrees: 45
Master’s Degrees: 8
Female: 60%
Male: 40%
Full-Time Students: 45%
Part-Time Students: 55%
Diversity by Ethnicity
American Indian
1%
Asian
10%
Black
23%
Hispanic
46%
International
2%
White
17%
Unknown
1%
Diversity by Age
14-21:
22-24:
25-30:
31-35:
36-50:
Over 50:
Geography
(Where Do UHD Students Live?)
Inside Loop 610:
12%
Loop 610 to Beltway 8:
37%
Outside Beltway 8:
51%
Outside Houston Metroplex:
1%
25%
23%
27%
11%
12%
2%
Total Degrees Awarded
2015-2016
Undergraduate: 2,654
Graduate: 244
Total: 2,889
Five Most Popular Undergraduate Degrees (2015-2016)
Degree
BS
BBA
BS
BS
BA
Major
Interdisciplinary Studies
Accounting
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Interdisciplinary Studies (Education)
Online Programs:
 15 Undergraduate Degree Completion
Programs
 3 Fully Online Master’s Programs
Count
417
266
243
219
189
% All UG Degrees
16%
10%
9%
8%
7%
Credit Hours Online/Hybrid:
Online: 28%
Hybrid: 12%
Online or Hybrid: 40%
Total Faculty: 710
248 (35%) Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty
462 (65%) Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
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Total UHD Alumni: 44,489
Appendix II: Academic Affairs and Student Success Organizational Chart
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Appendix III: Accreditation
The University of Houston-Downtown is accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Davies College of Business’ Bachelor of Business Administration and
Master of Business Administration degree programs are accredited by the
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The Department of Computer Science & Engineering Technology’s Bachelor
of Science in Engineering Technology degree programs in Control and
Instrumentation Engineering Technology, and Structural Analysis and Design
are accredited by ABET.
The Department of Urban Education’s programs that lead to teacher
certification are accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
The Department of Natural Sciences’ Bachelor of Science degree program in
Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.
The Department of Criminal Justice’s Bachelor of Social Work degree
program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
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