Ted Estess to Assume Interim Provost Position

University of Houston President Renu Khator has appointed Ted Estess, former dean of The Honors College, as interim provost to replace Donald J. Foss, who is stepping down from his position as senior vice chancellor /vice president of academic affairs and provost, effective June 16. Foss will resume teaching and will conduct research in the department of psychology, where he is a tenured full professor. More

“Dr. Estess has recently completed his stellar career as dean of The Honors College, bringing it from its infancy to its zenith and making it a jewel in the university’s crown,” Khator said. “He will assist me in advancing the academic agenda of the university.”

Khator also noted Foss’ accomplishments during his tenure, which began in 2005, and thanked him for his service to the campus.

“I personally have tremendous respect for Provost Foss’ academic values and experiences,” Khator said. “During the past four months, I have relied on his wise counsel. He has instituted a number of significant initiatives whose results will continue to advance our university for several years to come. Please join me in thanking Professor Foss for his dedicated service in this role and his commitment to excellence. Needless to say, we will miss his leadership and wish him much success in his new ventures.”

A national search to fill the position of provost is already under way. The search committee will be chaired by Professor David Francis and staffed by David Bell, assistant vice president for academic and faculty affairs. Other committee members will be announced shortly.

Gov. Perry Appoints UH Law Students to Higher Ed Positions

University of Houston (UH) student Tamara Goodwin is among 10 students appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as student regents to their respective university systems. Perry also appointed UH student Charles E. “Trey” Lewis III as the student representative to serve on the Higher Education Coordinating Board. Both Goodwin and Lewis are Houston residents and attend the Law Center at the University of Houston. Their terms expire May 31, 2009.

UH Among Top 20 Colleges in Nation For Hispanics

The University of Houston is in the top 20 of the nation’s colleges and universities awarding bachelor’s and doctoral degrees to Hispanic students. That is according to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine’s most recent edition of the Top 100 Colleges for Hispanics. The figures come from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

“The University of Houston draws great strength from the diversity of its student body,” said Donald Foss, UH senior vice president of academic affairs and provost. “We are very proud of our students and pleased to be recognized for our efforts to admit and to graduate more Hispanic students.”

More than 1,000 bachelor’s degrees were awarded to Hispanic students in 2007, placing UH 14th in the nation. That ranking is up one place from last year. Regarding doctoral degrees, UH ranks 12th with 239 degrees conferred upon Hispanic students, up from No. 23 last year. In addition, UH was 54th for awarding master’s degrees to Hispanic students. That ranking is up 10 places from last year. More

UH Recognizes Outstanding Faculty

During its 2008 Faculty Awards ceremony, The University of Houston honored several outstanding faculty members for their excellence and contributions in teaching, research and service.

Esther Farfel Award, UH’s highest faculty honor

David Francis, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of psychology

John and Rebecca Moores Professors

Vincent Donnelly, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering
Thomas O’Brien, professor of history

Excellence in Research and Scholarship Awards

Eric Bittner, associate professor of chemistry
Demetre Economou, professor of chemical engineering
Vincent Tam, assistant professor of clinical sciences and administration, College of Pharmacy

Teaching Excellence Awards

Ron Lazer, assistant professor of accountancy and taxation
Sang-Hoon “Shawn” Lee, assistant professor of engineering technology
Brian McFarlin, professor of health and human performance
Vern Paulsen, professor of mathematics

Provost’s Core Award
James Benbrook, professor of physics
William Dupre, associate professor of geology

Instructor/Clinical
Virginia Leigh Hollyer, mathematics instructor

Innovation in Instructional Technology
Lorraine Stock, associate professor of English

Graduate Teaching Assistants

Alana Lynes, graduate teaching assistant, biology and biochemistry

Faculty Award for Mentoring Undergraduate Research

Margot Gayle Backus, associate professor of English

Provost’s Faculty Advising Award

Simon Bott, director of undergraduate affairs and advising, chemistry department

For the latest news from UH, visit www.uh.edu/news-events/.