Effective September 1, 2015, Paula Myrick Short, University of Houston Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, has named Dr. Robert (Bob) McPherson as the Interim Associate Provost, Academic Affairs and Operation, University of Houston Sugar Land. McPherson is entering his fifth year as Dean in the College of Education and will continue in this role while assuming the interim duties. 

The Associate Provost of Academic Affairs and Operations is the UH Sugar Land campus’ Chief Academic Officer, reporting to Provost Short with the overall responsibility for leadership and administration of the instructional programs, faculty, and campus operations. As a part of these duties, the Associate Provost is responsible for strategic planning, development of a master academic plan, oversight of the budget, and ongoing review and assessment of all programs of the campus. Additional duties include providing leadership in the development, revision and interpretation of curriculum, academic programs, and catalogue information, as well as facilitating excellence in teaching, scholarly pursuits, and service to the campus and community with a special emphasis on student success.

McPherson chaired the UH Sugar Land Transition Committee during the past year that included the three UH Colleges that will anchor the UH Sugar Land campus, including the Colleges of Education, Technology, and Business, as well as community and business leaders from the area to begin the work of moving programs to the UH Sugar Land campus. 

“I am eager to visit with community leaders and begin the strategic planning process in Sugar Land.  In an area known for strategic growth and opportunity, we have the opportunity to build a learning community, meet industry needs, and expand our Cougar family,” stated McPherson.  In addition, he notes “the opportunity to serve the Katy community with a higher education institution in their region is key to our success in the greater Houston market”.