Ira K. Blake departs UHCL for new role, Richard Walker steps in as interim president

Oct. 7, UH System Chancellor Renu Khator announced that UHCL President Ira K. Blake accepted an invitation to serve in a new role as Special Assistant to the Chancellor effective Oct. 11. Khator said Blake will develop student success initiatives at all colleges in the UH System in her new role. 

Richard Walker, vice chancellor of student affairs and enrollment services for the UH System and vice president of student affairs and enrollment services at UH, stepped in as interim president of UHCL effective Oct. 11.

“I am delighted to be serving University of Houston-Clear Lake as Interim President,” Walker said. “While new to the post, my vision for UHCL is consistent with what is spelled out in our Strategic Plan, ‘Impact 2025 and Beyond,’ and with the university’s mission. I look forward to meeting with students, faculty and staff in the coming weeks to learn of their vision for our university. I am confident that collectively we will continue moving UH-Clear Lake forward in service to all of our stakeholders.”

The State of the University address scheduled for Oct. 12 was cancelled Oct. 11. Joe Staley, vice president for university advancement, said Walker will be consulted on plans for a state of the university address. As for the strategic plan, Staley assured the university will continue on the path.

“The strategic plan will proceed as currently outlined,” Staley said. “Over 500 stakeholders have participated since its inception and, at this point, there are no plans to delay our work.”

Blake expressed her wishes for UHCL as she begins her new role.

“My wish for UH-Clear Lake is to keep growing and developing in pursuit of being the very best representation of all that a regional comprehensive public university can be,” Blake said in her letter to students, staff, faculty and alumni. “The stage has been set by those who came before us and our strategic plan, ‘Impact 2025 and Beyond,’ which provides clear direction and accountability going forward.”

Student Regent for the UH System Derek Delgado said Walker is committed to the strategic plan.

“I believe that President Walker is a great candidate for interim president,” Delgado said. “His work as vice chancellor for the UH System and vice president for UH speaks for his experience and capabilities for the University of Houston-Clear Lake. President Walker has made it very clear that he is driven in achieving the strategic plan, ‘Impact 2025 and Beyond,’ which is reassuring.”

Shawn Lindsey, associate vice chancellor of media relations for the UH System and associate vice president of media relations for UH, said Blake will be missed at UHCL, but the transition would not impact daily operations.

“The change will not have any noticeable impact on students regarding the day-to-day operations of University of Houston-Clear Lake,” Lindsey said. “The UHCL strategic plan, ‘Impact 2025 and Beyond,’ provides clear direction about how the university will move forward. Of course, Dr. Blake forged many lasting relationships with UHCL students, faculty and staff as well as the Clear Lake community during her time as president. There is no doubt she will be missed.”  

UHCL will begin the search for a new president in November. 

Blake is not the first UH system president appointed to such a role.

“Chancellor Khator has appointed personnel at the UH System universities to serve in special assistant roles to lead a variety of special initiatives,” Lindsey said. “The chancellor believes that Dr. Blake will bring a wealth of experience to the position. The UH System Board of Regents were notified about the change.” 

Khator announced Aug. 6, 2010 that former UH Victoria President Tim Hudson was appointed special assistant to the chancellor for international initiatives effective Sept. 1, 2010. In June 2011, Hudson left his special assistant role to become Vice Chancellor for the Texas Tech University System.

Neither Khator’s announcement nor subsequent communications give a reason for Blake’s sudden appointment to the new position. 

“No matter what the timing, there will always be a period of transition,” Lindsey said.