Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the end of 2024, we have the opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished and where we want to be as an institution. It is also a time to reflect on the many things we value and are grateful for in both our professional and personal lives. Our celebrations of UHD’s past 50 years have inspired and focused us on the tremendous impact we have on the lives of so many students and the communities we serve. Our campus continues to thrive and flourish through the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students.
We have also faced challenges this past year. We lost a cherished friend and colleague, Floyd Newsum. Floyd’s innovative spirit and love of UHD shines through his current and former students and the work that they are doing. The mural on the 10th floor of One Main by Brenda Chapa and Bobby Ramos illustrates Floyd’s impact on their lives and the UHD experience in such a creative, vibrant, and personal manner. We also have faced other challenges and distractions as well as welcomed new and exciting opportunities. Through it all, our resilient and visionary UHD community continues to stay focused on our students’ success as well as the support we provide to each other in making UHD even stronger.
I am so thankful for your leadership, collegiality, compassion, and dedication in making the University of Houston-Downtown a place where our students, staff, and faculty make a difference in the lives of others each day. Your determination and commitment to meeting the needs of our students and the communities we serve truly make UHD a place where we collaboratively achieve our dreams and aspirations.
May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with love, joy, and peace. Use this much needed and well-deserved break to take care of yourself, rejuvenate, and enjoy spending time with family, friends, and loved ones. I look forward to our continued efforts to serve our communities and the University of Houston-Downtown.
All the best,
Deborah
