University of Houston’s Pursuit of Excellence In January 2008, when she assumed the presidency, President Renu Khator launched a “100 Days” drive to gather input on how to help the University of Houston move to Tier One status. More than 12,000 suggestions were received from UH students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as donors, friends, and civic and community leaders. These suggestions were categorized and prioritized, and several themes emerged that were identified as key goals and initiatives of broad interest and importance. After a series of meetings, retreats, and open forums six strategic goals were adopted by the UH System Board of Regents: 1. National Competitiveness: UH will become a nationally competitive public research university as measured by the Top American Research Universities Report (TARU) and/or Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. 2. Student Success: UH will have a student profile consistent with a nationally competitive public research university by creating an environment in which student success can be ensured. 3. Community Advancement: UH will commit to fulfilling regional and state workforce needs while becoming the primary engine of social, economic, and intellectual development. 4. Athletic Competitiveness: UH will provide a comprehensive educational experience to its students and within this context, it will seek to build the strongest athletics program possible. 5. National and Local Recognition: UH will be known for its accomplishments locally and nationally. 6. Resource Competitiveness: UH will build a resource base that enables it to accomplish its mission and realize its vision. Chancellor / President Renu Khator
Implementation is well under way, led by campus-wide committees and measured through regular, systematic progress reports. UH seeks a talented, experienced academic affairs leader to join this ambitious effort and support these strategic goals. President Khator and the UHS/UH leadership team have invested in staff and infrastructure to support a dynamic, competitive academic affairs office commensurate with a Tier One research university.
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON OVERVIEW
2