Christopher Maynard appointed as Provost

Christopher Maynard officially took office as provost and vice president of academic affairs June 16, 2022. He joined UHCL as interim provost September 2021 after the departure of former provost Steven Berberich.  Maynard was previously an associate vice provost, vice provost and interim provost at Sam Houston State University (SHSU).

Maynard spent most of his early career as a history teacher. At SHSU he was a professor of history, his area of study being political and diplomatic history. Education runs in Maynard’s family. Both of Maynard’s parents and grandmothers were teachers.

“It’s a family business,” Maynard said. “I still think of myself as a teacher and always will.”

In his own words Maynard described a provost as someone who is there to help facilitate student success.

“I work closely with the other colleges, staff and stakeholders,” Maynard said.

Christine Walther, associate professor of psychology and president-elect of the faculty senate explained the role of the provost.

“The provost is the chief of academic affairs,” Walther said. “He is responsible for accreditation and student success. He offers students all of the resources that they need in order to be successful in their college career.”

As chief of academic affairs, the provost plays a role in many choices made for the university. The provost makes decisions with the interests of students and their education in mind. He is in charge of the admissions policy, Latin honors and decides who is able to receive those Latin honors.

Walther said Maynard always wants the faculty to feel involved in big decisions.

“He recognizes faculty and brings them into conversations at their monthly meetings,” Walther said.

Maynard moved to Houston five years ago. The new provost explained he was interested in UHCL because he felt he could bring success to the institution.

“I knew it was similar to other universities but I was confident in the success that I could bring,” Maynard said.

Maynard has found his time here to be positive.

“The staff was very welcoming and have all been so great to work with since I first got here.”

Maynard wants to grow and prosper in his time at UHCL. The new provost said he is looking at his career at UHCL in stages. In his first year, he plans on  launching quality enhancement plans. Maynard is building relationships with staff and wants to take the time to get to know everyone. Maynard said he plans on keeping many things the same at UHCL, wishing to keep the same culture of student success.

“There are lots of things I want to improve, but not necessarily change,” Maynard said. “It’s important that the University works together to see in what areas we can grow.”

“Student success is the heart of the University,” Maynard said.

Maynard believes in the importance of making connections in college. Maynard offered this advice to students about being successful in the world.

“In order to be successful in college and after you graduate, it’s very important to reach out and build relationships with people,” Maynard said. “Most of the success in the world, you have to work at and be able to learn and grow. It’s important to always grow, no matter what position you are in.”