University of Houston System

The University of Houston continues to build momentum in graduate education, climbing in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings with gains across a broad range of disciplines. Year-over-year improvements reflect a sustained rise in national competitiveness, with more programs earning top-tier recognition as the University’s graduate portfolio grows in strength and depth. UH placed 19 graduate programs in this year’s top 50 rankings — up from 15 the previous year — with four programs, including three at the UH Law Center, ranked among the top 10 nationally. Overall, 48 programs placed in the top 100, with multiple programs achieving double-digit improvements, signaling continued upward momentum. Continued gains across engineering disciplines, including petroleum engineering (No. 8), chemical engineering (No. 34) and industrial/manufacturing/systems engineering (No. 41), underscore sustained strength and reinforce UH’s leadership in research and innovation with real-world impact. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gu5RFgU6

Deborah E. Bordelon, chief academic officer and provost at University of Houston-Downtown, will serve as interim president of UHD effective May 1, following the departure of Loren J. Blanchard, who was recently appointed president of California State University, Long Beach. UH System Chancellor Renu Khator made the announcement to the UHD community today. Bordelon, who joined UHD in 2022, began her administrative career as chair and associate professor at Xavier University of Louisiana and went on to serve as dean of the College of Education at Nicholls State University. She later served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Governors State University before being named provost and executive vice president at Columbus State University. A national search for UHD’s next president will begin immediately. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gEDa7Adb

The UH System has been recognized as a global leader in innovation once again, ranking among the 2025 Top 100 Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents according to the National Academy of Inventors. The annual list recognizes colleges and universities for the number of patents issued. Last year, the UH System received 32 utility patents, ranking it No. 64 nationally and No. 3 in Texas. Utility patents are among the most coveted because they give inventors exclusive commercial rights to produce and utilize the latest technologies. Adding to that momentum, seven University of Houston faculty members were recently named Senior Members of the NAI — the most of any Texas institution this year and the largest cohort in UH history — bringing the University’s total to 46 and further highlighting its strength in patents, commercialization and high-impact innovation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gjzrCBFP

For nearly four decades, the partnership between the University of Houston System and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has opened doors and changed lives. Last week at the UH System Rodeo Scholars Lunch at UH’s Alumni Center, we reflected on that remarkable legacy — from the first Area Go Texan scholarship awarded in 1987 to the nearly $7 million in HLSR educational scholarships that supported hundreds of UH System students in 2025. We were proud to honor outstanding scholars, connect them with HLSR and Houston’s business and civic leaders, and express our deep gratitude for a partnership rooted in opportunity and impact. The Rodeo’s generosity continues to fuel ambition, strengthen our region and help prepare the next generation of leaders for Houston and beyond.

The UH System welcomes Patrick Fertitta, director of Fertitta Entertainment, whose leadership in hospitality, sports and philanthropy will help shape the System’s next chapter. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gd594hRi