UHCL leadership addresses campus community at State of the University
President Ira K. Blake and the core leadership team of the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) addressed faculty, staff and students Nov. 2 at the annual State of the University address. Each described the accomplishments of the university and, more specifically, their departments before discussing their plans going forward.
“Our history is one of intentionally designing educational opportunities to meet the academic and career aspirations of regional residents,” Blake said. “UHCL today has an unrelenting fulcrum that never forgets the strengths gained from the past but recognizes the forces of growth and change emerging presently that signal the need for innovative creative effort for continued relevant good work moving into the future.”
Blake praised the record enrollment at UHCL and stressed the importance of keeping students enrolled and progressing through school to graduation.
Steven J. Berberich, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, was next to speak. He began by touching on the reorganization in his department and thanking the faculty who have helped him along the way before moving on to discuss his action items:
- Supporting faculty development
- Hiring key directors
- Engaging stakeholders in student success
- Community outreach
“I’m very much focused on trying to create a culture here that is looking for opportunities, that’s willing to embrace change, [and not] fear having conversations,” Berberich said.
Next to the podium was Daniel M. Maxwell, interim vice president of student affairs. He focused on his drive to engage with students and how he encourages his division to go above and beyond.
“How do we look at where a student stands physically, emotionally, mentally; how are they connecting to the institution?” Maxwell asked. “How do we help them understand who they are and, if needed, find support services to be successful?”
Mark Denney, vice president of the division of administration and finance, listed “intelligent and accurate enrollment projection and planning” as being a key core requirement of his division. Denney said enrollment is what determines the school’s ability to provide the necessary services on campus for the students.
“Student success is the responsibility of all of us,” Denney said.
Dwayne Busby, acting vice president of advancement and executive director of the office of strategic partnerships, was the final speaker. Busby discussed the primary goals of his offices:
- Build and maintain relationships with constituents
- Secure philanthropic resources
- Encourage the arts
Busby finished by discussing the various external and internal partners of the university who can help this advancement.
“Strategic partnerships is the brainchild of Dr. Ira K. Blake,” Busby said. “…she saw the need at [UHCL]…to be known not only by the region…but by our state, by our nation and by our world.”
Blake ended the presentation by inviting all speakers back to the stage for a round of questions from the audience. She invited those who could not physically be present to send their questions to president@uhcl.edu before closing the presentation.
