Houston's Best Kept Secret

Sitting from my desk at the University of Houston-Downtown, I can see the panorama of the city, the skyscrapers, the MetroRail that runs right to the door of the university, and the hustle and bustle of the fourth-largest city in the country. I've got to wonder, how is it so few people know about this great university? After all, every day the MetroRail runs right through the Downtown. Going north from Reliant Stadium to UHD at each stop you hear the announcement, "Train to UH-Downtown now arriving." The Train's front destination lights even say "UH-Downtown."

Yet, many Houston residents don't know about UHD or have misconceptions about it. Some think UHD is a branch of the University of Houston. Actually, it is an independently accredited university that is part of the University of Houston System. Some think it is a community college or just has a few programs. In fact, it is a comprehensive institution that offers bachelor and master's degrees. Some think its a small college, yet UHD is a university with nearly 13,000 students. The campus has grown in its three decades of existence from one-building to several and has learning centers in other parts of the city.

Those I have met at UHD are truly committed to the university and its mission. They understand that is a New American University--one that looks like Houston and looks like much of America. It is diverse, 31% Hispanic, 27% African American, with students from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

Most of the students work full-time or close to it. Most are transfer students. Many work in the downtown or nearby companies that have their headquarters in Houston. They have high hopes--of being accountants, lawyers, CEOs, or owner of their own business, or of being teachers, social works, or engineers. Most are the first in their families to go to college and most come from low and middle income families. Quite a few have their own families and, of course, many are single mothers, trying to desperately to work, raise their children and better their lives. Many of those I've met were born in other countries and came to American and Houston for the opportunity it provides.

Our students choose UHD because it fits their lives, they learn in small classrooms, interact with their professors, get support from the staff, and are encouraged to succeed. They can take online courses, face-to-face classes, and hybrid courses. The buildings are completely wireless and there is plenty of access to computers, including laptop check-out in the College of Business.

UHD is a metropolitan university. It's faculty and its students actively participate through service learning and volunteerism in the schools, hospitals, service agencies, and jails that surround UHD. The students are of Houston and for Houston. They have their roots here and their families. And, it is in Houston where they will work and make a name for themselves.

In the days that follow I will describe what I learn about the students, the campus, and Houston. I will also share with how all of us at UHD are making a name for ourselves. Let me know what you think. Give me your comment below. I look forward to hearing from you.