Since arriving at the University of Houston last year, Richie C. Hunter has led the University’s marketing and communications efforts through a transformative period. Now, her experience and talents will also benefit the UH System (UHS).
Hunter, UH vice president of marketing, communication and media relations, now holds the additional title of UH System vice chancellor. During its recent meeting, the UHS Board of Regents voted to expand Hunter’s responsibilities to the System universities and branch campuses.
Hunter arrived at UH in December 2013, following a national search for an established leader who could help elevate the University’s national reputation. Her presence on campus has energized the Cougar community, as well as external constituents. Leading an award-winning team, Hunter was instrumental in launching the innovative “Welcome to the Powerhouse” campaign. Since October, Houstonians have been experiencing captivating images and inspirational messages communicating the University’s academic prowess and its value to the community. Signage is omnipresent throughout high traffic locations including Bush Intercontinental Airport and Houston Hobby Airport. It is estimated that “Powerhouse” signage and messaging will yield more than 65,000,000 impressions. Also, a national commercial premiered during the Cougar football team’s debut in TDECU Stadium.
Under her leadership, members of the Division of Marketing, Communication and Media Relations were recognized among the best of the best in their respective disciplines. In 2014, team members earned national and regional awards for their efforts to promote UH.
The University’s social media presence also has expanded under Hunter’s guidance. UH is now ranked 10th in the nation among the “Most Influential Colleges on Google+.” Recently, the UH1UP Challenge, a social media game designed to promote Cougar camaraderie and school pride, doubled its number of participants from last year. So far, the 2014 UH1UP Challenge, which started in September, has 1088 total participants compared with slightly more than 500 in 2013.
Before arriving at UH, Hunter served as vice president of government programs for Coventry Health Care and as chief marketing officer for Health Net Inc. She also is a former staff vice president for marketing management for WellPoint. Hunter holds a Master of Business Administration from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Southern California. To learn more about Hunter, view her detailed bio here.
The University of Houston System is a comprehensive system of higher education institutions serving to further the intellectual capital and economic strength of the Gulf Coast region. The UH System includes the University of Houston, a nationally recognized Tier One public research university; the University of Houston-Downtown, a four-year university with undergraduate and master's programs; the University of Houston-Victoria, a four-year university with undergraduate and master’s level degree programs; and the University of Houston- Clear Lake, a four-year university with undergraduate and graduate programs. The system also includes three branch campuses, UH-Clear Lake Pearland, UH System - Northwest and UH Sugar Land, as well as a multi-institution teaching center, UH System Cinco Ranch. In addition, the System owns and operates Houston Public Media (HPM). HPM comprises KUHF-FM, Houston’s National Public Radio station; KUHA-FM, Houston’s 24-hour classical music station; and KUHT-TV, the nation’s first educational television station. To learn more about the UH System, visit http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/.