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UH Welcomes New Members to the Board of Visitors

By Bryan Luhn 713-743-0954

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The University of Houston Board of Visitors for 2024-25

The University of Houston is pleased to welcome seven new members to its Board of Visitors for the 2024-25 academic year.

These new additions, appointed by UH President Renu Khator to terms that began on Sept. 1, join an established group of outstanding innovators and visionaries who are committed to enhancing and advancing the University’s brand and reputation, and pushing UH closer to its goal of becoming a Top 50 ranked public institution.

“Our new Board of Visitors are a stellar group of leaders and change-makers, bringing a wealth of talent and expertise to the University,” said UH President Renu Khator. “I am grateful for their engagement, advocacy and guidance as we move the University of Houston into its next chapter of growth and excellence.”

The Board of Visitors is chaired by Arturo Chavez (‘90), board member and principal at Page, a multidisciplinary design, architecture and engineering firm with offices in Houston, across the U.S. and around the world.

“As chair, I am thrilled to welcome these accomplished leaders to the University of Houston Board of Visitors,” Chavez said. “Their fresh perspectives, valuable insights and passion for student success will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts in shaping a successful future for the University and elevating its image locally, regionally, nationally and globally.”

New Members:

Christina Funston
Co-Founder, Save a Mind Foundation

Shawn Jackson
Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Kirksey Architecture

George Lancaster
Global Head of Brand, Hines

Carl Lewis (F.S. ’82)
Nine-Time Olympic Champion and Head Coach, UH Track & Field

Hannah McNair (UHD ’07)
Vice President, Houston Texans Foundation

Andy Singer (’78)
Founder & CEO, Visual Comfort and Co.

Aruna Viswanathan
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, AlphaX Decision Sciences

In addition to welcoming these new members, the Board of Visitors announced several leadership and membership changes. Devika Kornbacker (’98), partner and co-head of the Tech Group at the Clifford Chance law firm, is the new Vice Chair. And Anu Lal (’94), vice president of sales and marketing at Piping Technology & Products, Inc., takes a new leadership position on the board’s executive committee as New Member Liaison.

Members of the UH Alumni Association Foundation Board of Directors also serve on the Board of Visitors as ex-officio members. Joining as ex-officio members this year are Shawn Kuehn (’10, M.B.A. ’16, M.S. ’16), special events manager at the Houston Public Library, and Jason Payne (’99, J.D. ’02), founding attorney at Payne Law Firm.

Three valued members of the Board of Visitors, Clark Beecher (’00), Elizabeth McIngvale (Ph.D. ’14) and Bridget Wade, wrapped up their tenures with the board over the summer.

Another valued board member, Marilyn Miles, sadly passed away in August. Miles, a long-time supporter and champion of UH, volunteered her time and expertise across many of UH’s arts initiatives and was a beacon of Houston’s arts community. Her warmth and smile will be deeply missed.

Click here for a complete list of UH Board of Visitors members.

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