You are here:  UHD 1999/2000 Catalog / University of Houston–Downtown / A Message from the President

oin our anniversary celebration! Come join the faculty, staff, friends and generous donors of the University of Houston–Downtown as we celebrate our first 25 years and usher in an ambitious new century.

Located in the heart of the city, UHD proudly offers excellence in higher education, opportunity for both traditional and returning adult students, and the cultural and education benefits of a diverse student population.

To all who enter through its historic One Main Street doors, UHD’s excellence is reflected in its dedicated faculty, highly respected scholars who teach courses in a wide range of fields. Devoted to student success, they prepare students for business and professional careers, as well as advanced study and research in post-graduate programs.

UHD students may now choose undergraduate degrees in 30 major fields and a highly rated teacher certification program. Students may also select a variety of class schedules to fit busy lifestyles.

Our Weekend College is designed for working students who need the flexibility of non-weekday classes to complete their degree programs. We also make earning a degree more convenient with distance learning via television, videocassette and online classes, and off-site campus programs. UHD offers degree programs at the University of Houston System at Fort Bend, a cooperative arrangement between all four universities of the UH System, and the University Center at Montgomery College, a partnership with other local and regional universities and community colleges. Classes are also offered at San Jacinto College North.

Real-world opportunities abound for UHD students. In the urban teacher education program, students gain vital classroom experience by participating in hands-on, field-based internship programs at public schools in the Houston and Fort Bend independent school districts. Students in the natural sciences may apply for a variety of field experience options, scholarships and summer research positions available through the federal government and private industry. UHD social sciences majors intern for a semester with public, nonprofit or philanthropic agencies before they earn their final degrees.

As a partner in emerging redevelopment, UHD has added two buildings to complement the downtown skyline. The Academic Building houses a state-of-the-art technology center, large public auditorium and classrooms and study spaces. The Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center serves student fitness, dance and other social needs. The university is now exploring reclamation of the historic Willow Street Pump Station building on White Oak Bayou for use as a Center for Urban Ecology and art exhibit space.

A number of special art works, including a large mural by renowned Houston artist John Biggers and several outdoor sculptures, add to the natural beauty of our landmark Buffalo Bayou location.

Come join us as we celebrate our 25th year! Come share in our excellence, opportunity and diversity. Join the celebration.

Max Castillo, Ed.D.
President