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The History of the University of Houston at Sugar Land

The University of Houston at Sugar Land is a testament to the strength of a shared vision and the drive for excellence in our community.

1994

Higher Education comes to Sugar Land

Recognizing the higher education needs in Fort Bend County, the University of Houston-Victoria begins offering for-credit classes in 1994 in leased facilities in Sugar Land. Enrollment was a little more than 200 students, but it became apparent that more students in the growing area could take advantage of a nearby campus.

Sign that says UH System at Fort Bend

1995

Spearheading Efforts to Channel Interest

The next year, former Lt. Gov. William P. Hobby, then the UH System Chancellor, spearheads efforts to channel the interest in a local higher education entity. He combined the resources of the UH main campus, UH-Clear Lake, UH-Victoria and UH Downtown to create a system teaching center where students could take classes offered by the UH System institutions. Classes are held at Clements High School and the Wharton County Junior College Centraplex for Higher Education in Sugar Land. Enrollment is near 500 students.

Black and white portrait of a man with a beard

1996

Building Momentum

Momentum builds in 1996, when the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves the creation of a partnership with Wharton Country Junior College, Houston Community College and the UH System. The entities agree to join forces in the effort to bring higher education to the Fort Bend County area. There are now more than 1,000 students enrolled in classes. In 1998, the Texas Department of Transportation transfers 248 acres of land near the Brazos River to the UH System for the construction of a permanent facility.

An inflatable cougar head over a building entrance

1998

Community Pledges Support

With approval from the UH System Board of Regents for an $11 million building, community support for the effort swells. In 1998, the City of Sugar Land pledges $3.5 million for the project; the George Foundation pledges $2 million, and a Community Campaign, led by Robert Brown, then chairman of the board for the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, raises the remainder of funding, with donations from individuals, organizations and corporations.

Construction sign in the foreground with a bulding in the background

2002

The Albert & Mamie George Building Opens

By 2002 the University of Houston System at Fort Bend becomes the University of Houston at Sugar Land. The name change comes in time for the completion of the Albert & Mamie George Building. There are now nearly 2,000 students coming to class, and by 2004, with degrees in biology and bioinformatics added to its academic offerings by UH-Victoria, enrollment reaches more than 2,400 students.

Old logo for University of Houston System at Sugar Land

2006

Further Support and Expansion

In 2006, the City of Sugar Land and the UH System at Sugar Land sign a long-term land lease that provides $3.5 million toward construction of a second building to be shared with Wharton County Junior College. The agreement provides the city with land for a festival site, including jogging and biking trails, playgrounds and recreational and community centers. Later that year, the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners approves a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to be offered at the UH System at Sugar Land and in 2007 ground breaks for the second building on the UH System at Sugar Land campus.

A building under construction with scafolding surrounding it

2008

Associate Vice Chancellor Appointed

UH System Chancellor Renu Khator appoints Richard Phillips to serve as the first Associate Vice Chancellor of UH System at Sugar Land in 2008. One of his first duties, is to officially open the new $37 million facility known as Brazos Hall. The name invokes the river on whose banks the facility sits. Brazos Hall is formally known as Los Brazos de sabiduria (the arms of knowledge) in honor of those who enter seeking to quench their thirst for education. Brazos Hall opens in 2009.

Portrait of a man smiling

2011

Community Partnerships

In an innovative three-way partnership Fort Bend County, Wharton County Junior College and the University of Houston at Sugar Land combine efforts and resources for a joint-use facility. In 2011, the Fort Bend County Library System opens the doors to its University Branch for use by all students. There were more than 3,000 enrolled.

Front entrance to a two story building

2012

University of Houston Sugar Land

In 2012, under the administration of the University of Houston main campus, University of Houston System at Sugar Land is renamed University of Houston Sugar Land to reflect its connection to the faculty, research and programs of the main campus. The UH System Board of Regents approves a land use plan and delegates authority to the Chancellor Renu Khator to negotiate terms of a proposed theater and festival site with the City of Sugar Land. Nearly 4,500 students were enrolled.

Brick building with a large red banner on the front
 

2014

Digital Media Arrives

UH College of Technology’s Digital Media program begins its move to the UH at Sugar Land.

Classroom with monitors and computers on the tables

2015

Interim Associate Provost Named

The School of Nursing becomes a program of the University of Houston, which now draws from all over Houston and its Fort Bend County home.

group of students in red and black uniforms standing in front a building

UH Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs/UH Provost Dr. Paula Myrick Short names Dr. Robert McPherson Interim Associate Provost, Academic Affairs and Operations, for UH Sugar Land.

A man in a suit standing in front of a rail

2016

UH at Sugar Land Master Plan

The UH System Board of Regents approves a master plan for UH at Sugar Land that includes construction of a new 150,000-sq.-ft. classroom building for technology, business, education and health programs.

Overhead map of proposed future campus

2018

Associate Vice President Appointed

UH Provost Paula Myrick Short appoints Dr. Jay Neal Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs and Chief Operating Officer UH Sugar Land and UH Katy.

A man in a suit sitting at a desk

In March 2018 UH at Sugar Land breaks ground on the Sugar Land Academic Building.

A group of people in suits shoveling sand

2019

New Building Opens

The UH College of Technology building opens for the fall 2019 semester. The academic building is home to new programs and innovative, state-of-the-art laboratory space.

Photo of a brown three story building framed by two trees

2023

Expansion Continues

In October 2023 UH at Sugar Land breaks ground on the second Sugar Land Academic Building (SAB2).

Computer graphic rendering of a new three-story building