UH WELCOMES NEW PURCHASING DIRECTOR AND HUB COORDINATOR

Even from miles away in Austin, University of Houston�s Cougar pride is legendary. Christopher Burton heard about �the Pride� from his girlfriend, a former UH PhD graduate, and moved to join the team in achieving Tier One status as the new UH Purchasing Director and HUB Coordinator.

�I am here to support the vision of the Tier One transformation,� Burton said. �In our role, the Purchasing Team supports our internal clients, university stakeholders and the executive leadership to make that vision a reality. I have sought to work in environments with a significant goal. UH is providing that for me. I can think of nothing more rewarding than working toward that vision in support of the mission of higher education.�

In Austin, Burton was the Director of Purchasing for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He learned the ropes in contracts and procurement while working with DuPont and transitioned into the public sector after he earned his MBA. He held several managerial positions within the state including procurement manager for Texas Building and Procurement Commission (now TPASS) under the Comptroller of Public Accounts.

As if that didn�t keep him busy enough, Burton has also taught undergraduate business classes for the past six years at St. Edward�s University, his alma mater.

�It is a labor of love being in the classroom and engaging my students to think critically. It is a good day when the theory and the real world intersect.�

With UH, Burton will lead the Purchasing Team in the acquisition of goods and services for internal clients at the university, seeking competitive opportunities to save dollars and make sure the team is responsive, customer-oriented and transparent to the public. He is also responsible for performing outreach for the UH HUB program, which provides contacts, guidance and information on how UH does business.

�The UH Purchasing Team is a service organization, so we exist to serve/help our clients. I am an �open door� professional, so I appreciate meeting with university clients that we are here to support,� Burton said.

In his position at the university, Burton wants to focus on efficiency and savings for internal clients by looking at processes, procedures and policy.

There is also one more personal missing piece of the puzzle he still seeks at the university.

�On a personal note, I am seeking a competitive hardwood basketball game with some �aging jocks� � age 30 and over. I am missing my hoops church group back in Austin. I am NOT a former member of Phi Slama Jama, but I still love the game and am seeking a good group of guys who would accept a former gym rat/die-hard point guard. The fire still burns..� Burton said.