On June 5, 2009, the University of Houston System’s Board of Regents appointed Dr. William Flores as the fifth president of the University of Houston-Downtown. As UHD’s newest leader, Flores brings new vision and expertise to the University as it enters its 36th year. He serves on the board of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and is a new board member for Project Grad Houston.
UHD, one of four universities in the University of Houston System, enrolls nearly 13,000 students and offers 43 undergraduate majors, four master’s degree programs and online classes at several locations in the greater Houston area. Federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution, UHD serves many first-generation college students and is one of the most diverse institutions in the nation. –alex green
What is it about your job that motivates you to get up in the morning?
I wake up each morning excited about coming in to work and making a difference in this city. UHD is not just about educating college students, although that clearly is our main mission. I believe that universities should be involved in making nearby communities stronger and in helping to address the problems that confront the city. It is a challenge, but one that excites me. I approach each day as a way of making this university and the city a better place.
Describe the best day of running your school and making a difference in the community.
I have two favorite days each year, and they are our graduation ceremonies. We hold two commencement ceremonies annually at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. At each commencement ceremony, over 20,000 family, friends and supporters celebrate as our graduates walk across the stage. Annually, we add over 2,300 college graduates to the work force and over 85 percent of these stay in Houston to work, live and contribute to our economy.
Is there a book that you were inspired by that you suggest to others?
A book that we have used at UHD is Good to Great by Jim Collins. The book encourages a company or organization to focus on its strengths and identify the key area where it can excel and build distinction.
For more information, please visit www.uhd.edu.
