With the 2024 Staff Awards Ceremony set to take place on Tuesday, July 16, we thought it apropos to look back at last year's awardees and once again recognize them for their dedication and excellence. This week, we profiled Ruby LaCour-Tyler, winner of last year's President's Excellence Award.


As a child, Ruby LaCour-Tyler, Manager of Administrative Services at UHD's Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB), Ruby LaCour-Tyler recalls car rides from North Houston to the University of Houston-Downtown. LaCour-Tyler's older sibling was the "FPIC" (first person in college) and attended UHD. Years passed, and the UHD alumna's path led her back to the university.

While attending night courses for an undergraduate degree, LaCour-Tyler worked in the dean's office at MDCOB, a place she'd ultimately call home for the next two decades. Little did LaCour-Tyler know that one day she would receive the university's most coveted award.

Recipient of the 2023 President's Staff Excellence Award, LaCour-Tyler is as humble as she is dedicated. Winners of the award are recognized for making a significant impact on the university through dedication, innovation, and competence, as well as fostering collaboration, communication, and cooperation among those around them.

Whether LaCour-Tyler is organizing travel for MDCOB faculty, staff, or student organizations, planning luncheons or meetings, or preparing reports, the UHD alumna is no stranger to going the extra mile.

"I didn't expect to get it. I was very grateful," said LaCour-Tyler. "You feel noticed and appreciated for the work you do."

LaCour-Tyler credits her success and longevity to her team at MDCOB. "My co-workers motivate me and make me want to do better," she said.

What does LaCour-Tyler's future hold? She hopes to pursue her master's degree, eyeing a Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) at UHD's College of Sciences and Technology (CST).

Please join us in congratulating Ruby on her outstanding achievement and stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 Staff Awards Ceremony on July 16, 2024.


Make sure you attend the 2024 Staff Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, July 16. For more info, visit the Staff Awards webpage.