College of Public Service News
vitalvoices: Empowering Every Learner
This conversation is designed for families, educators, and community members who want to better support bilingual learners with disabilities and become better equipped to provide just and welcoming educational spaces.
Gator Evolution: An Alumnus’ Journey from the Classroom to Crime Scenes and Back Again
Elias Rivera entered University of Houston-Downtown's Criminal Justice program in 1999 with a clear goal: become a police officer. At the time, he was 18 and already working at the Harris County Sheriff's Office nearby. The work enabled him to...
UHD Goes All In on Its Promise to Dogan Elementary
Right before the winter break on Friday, Dec. 15, Provost Deborah Bordelon, Dean José Ricardo-Osorio, and members of the Office of the President and the Division of Student Success and Student Life headed over to HISD’s Dogan Elementary in Fifth...
Gator Students Reflect on Citizenship in Winning Essays
Anaisa Paez Escobar and Filmon Teweldebrhan detail how struggles transform citizenship into an exercise of hope.
Leslie Sirrianni Matches Student Passion With Purpose Through Social Work Placements
As Director of Field Education for University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, Leslie Sirrianni plays a pivotal role in shaping student experiences beyond the classroom. A cornerstone of the BSW program is the...
Criminal Justice Alum Spotlight: Emily Martinez
For recent UHD grad Emily Martinez (’25, Criminal Justice), participating in public roles while a student at UHD mirrored the way she spent her personal time. A longtime community volunteer, Martinez also served in UHD’s student government and...
Brandon Jenkins: From First-Year Teacher to Emerging Educational Leader
Brandon Jenkins, a recent graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Master of Educational Leadership (MEDL) degree program is already making an impact in the classroom and beyond. As a first-year teacher, Jenkins enrolled in UHD’s...
Recent Social Work Grad Pays It Forward
At six years old, Amber Perez tragically lost her father and gained a perspective that would shape her entire future. The Social Work major was assigned to a social worker through her school, an experience that ignited her calling to help...
Shining a Light on Elder Abuse: UHD To Host Regional Conference on June 20
Every older adult deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. Yet for too many, these basic rights are threatened by a silent and devastating issue: elder abuse. Elder abuse is a largely hidden crisis that affects seniors from all walks of...
A Warm, Gator Welcome to New Leadership at the College of Public Service and Enrollment Management
Welcome to the newest members of our Gator Family! Long Huynh, DBA, and José Gabriel Ricardo-Osorio, Ed.D., join us on Monday, June 2, 2025—their first official day as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of the College of Public...