University of Houston–Downtown

University of Houston–Downtown

Type	State university
Established	1974
Endowment	US$34.7 million
President	Michael A. Olivas (Interim)
Provost	Edward T. Hugetz
Academic staff	631
Administrative staff	476
Students	14,262
Undergraduates	13,243
Postgraduates	1,019
Location	Houston, Texas, United States 29°45′57″N 95°21′35″W / 29.765931°N 95.359684°W / 29.765931; -95.359684Coordinates: 29°45′57″N 95°21′35″W / 29.765931°N 95.359684°W / 29.765931; -95.359684
Campus	Urban, 20 acres (0.08 km²)
Colors	Blue and Red
Nickname	Gators
Mascot	Ed-U-Gator
Affiliations	UH System AASCU
Website	uhd.edu

The University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) is a four-year state university and one of four distinct institutions in the University of Houston System. Its campus spans 40 acres (16 ha) in Downtown Houston, with a satellite location in northwestern Harris County. Founded in 1974, UHD is the second-largest university in the Houston area with more than 14,000 students.

The university serves students in four academic colleges. UHD offers over 50 degree programs: 45 bachelors and seven masters. Awarding more than 2,400 degrees annually, the university's alumni base exceeds 30,000.

Recognizing the need for a university presence in Downtown Houston, the Board of Regents of the University of Houston acquired the assets of South Texas Junior College on August 6, 1974 and opened the University of Houston–Downtown College (UH/DC) as a four-year institution under the organization and control of the University of Houston. By August 1979, it became a stand-alone university when the 66th Texas Legislature established UH/DC as a separate and distinct institution in the University of Houston System.

The college's first four-year degree was a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and resident students attended for $4 per credit hour. The school purchased its first and only dormitory in 1981. The dormitory, formerly the Harley Hotel located at 101 Main Street and known as the University Center, remained in the university's possession until 1991 when it was demolished in favor of renovation.

On April 26, 1983, the word "College" was dropped from the institution's name to become University of Houston–Downtown (UHD). During this decade when Houston was booming, UHD succeeded in having the Merchants and Manufacturers Building named to the National Register of Historic Places, degree programs continued to grow, and UHD's first Red Rose Ball became a signature fundraiser. Tuition increased in 1984 to $12 per credit hour. By fall 1988, more than 8,300 students were enrolled on campus.

In 1992, Max Castillo came from San Antonio College to lead the university. During the 1990s, UHD focused on becoming a metropolitan university—appealing to traditional students as well as working professionals. During the early 1990s, UHD also began key partnerships with community colleges and it moved to meet greater Houston's demand for qualified teachers when it added a teacher certification program in urban education. During this time, the Weekend College Program began and a new Academic Building and the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center opened.