President Jay Gogue delivered the State of the University Address and offered the audience a chance to see a model of the campus master plan. Photo by Thomas Shea

An enthusiastic crowd recently gathered to hear University of Houston President Jay Gogue’s State of the University Address. After hearing details of UH’s strengths and goals, the audience’s passionate response was proof positive that Cougar pride continues to thrive.

Faculty, staff, students, regents, alumni and community members filled the University Center’s Houston Room to listen to Gogue’s speech. As the audience made its way into the room, the upbeat mood of the event was enhanced by live music provided by the members of the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band. Attendees also had a chance to view the model of the proposed campus’ master plan, which illustrates the university’s vision for an expanded campus that will accommodate a larger student body, as well as the Houston community.

Gogue first focused on the quality of UH students. In addition to reflecting on the culturally diverse and diligent student body, he noted that 82 percent of the university’s students work 30 hours or more a week. He especially commended those whose efforts extend far beyond the classroom or workplace.

“They’re magnificent in what they do,” he said. “Think about balancing work, school and family and then, think that these students also gave one million hours in community service last year.”

UH faculty accomplishments also drew praise from Gogue. The recently published Scholarship Report, Gogue said, offers pages of examples of the university’s commitment to research and scholarship.

“Faculty members, who are involved in the discovery process, bring excitement to the classroom, as well as a sense of knowledge and authority,” he said. “UH faculty members publish two books per week. More than 100 books come out of this university in one year. Every two hours a new research paper is accepted by an academic journal. These are remarkable achievements.”

Like UH’s students, faculty members also are engaged in service outside of the classroom. Gogue said that more than 600 community outreach programs are led by faculty members.

Gogue also stressed the scope of UH’s innovative centers of learning and research. He cited several examples of recent additions to the university, including the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, the Abramson Center for the Future of Health and the Texas Center for Learning Disabilities.

In discussing UH’s future, he pointed the audience’s attention to the proposed campus master plan model, which replicates a 20-year vision and expansion. Gogue said that the plan would create multi-faceted facilities to accommodate the various needs of faculty, staff and students.

“Imagine having retail spaces, classrooms and residence halls under one roof,” he said. “It’s a very different concept that will serve our community and create a feeling of constant activity.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu