UHCL President Richard Walker shared the university’s recent achievements and goals as part of its strategic plan “Impact 2025 and Beyond” at a Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 26.
“UHCL is committed to increasing the college-going and college graduation rates for the Houston Bay Area region as well as the state of Texas,” Walker said.
As part of its partnership with the Houston Spaceport, the university plans to create the Houston Spaceport Center for Research, Education and Workforce Development.
The university signed a partnership agreement with Boeing to offer students entry-level employment and internship opportunities to work on projects, such as the International Space Station, CST-100 Starliner and the C-17 Globemaster.
UHCL officials requested funding at the last legislative session to open a second Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Building.
“Because of UHCL’s historic connection to NASA, it is critically important that this institution has the resources it needs to meet the workforce demands of the greater Bay Area,” Walker said.
The university will also hold a referendum in spring 2023 over possibly opening a student center building.
“We do not have a true student center on campus the students have been asking us for one,” Walker said.
Furthermore, UHCL was elevated from its designation as a regional institution to a national institution this year.
“As we move forward into the future, we will continue to build relationships with businesses and industry leaders to explore how our students can be effective interns, project leaders and employees,” Walker said.
