Houston Daily

The University of Houston has announced the addition of twenty-five new members to its Board of Visitors for the 2025-26 academic year. The appointments, made by UH President Renu Khator and effective from September 1, bring together individuals from Texas, New York, California, and other regions.

According to the university, these new board members will help promote the institution’s achievements and further its national profile as it approaches its Centennial in 2027. The Board of Visitors is tasked with supporting efforts to enhance UH’s brand and reputation as it works toward becoming a Top 50 ranked public university.

UH President Renu Khator stated: “The Board of Visitors is a phenomenal group of leaders and power players driving UH to greater heights — and our new members are no different. From CEOs to influential executives, art consultants to philanthropists, this incredibly talented new cohort will amplify UH as we head towards our Centennial.”

Arturo Chavez (’90), principal at Stantec, continues as chair of the board. He said: “We welcome our new members at a defining moment in the University of Houston’s history. With our Centennial on the horizon, this is more than a milestone — it is a moment to look ahead. Together, we will help guide UH into its next century of impact, innovation and service, ensuring that the University continues to rise as a beacon of opportunity for Houston, for Texas and for the world.”

Among those joining are Nory Angel (American Leadership Forum), Chris Angelides (Ernst & Young), Katharine Barthelme (Barthelme Art & Appraisals), Patricia Booker (Houston Golf Association), Halina E. Caravello (H. Caravello Consulting), Rosanette Cullen (philanthropist), Laura Espinosa (Houston Methodist West), Chris Gamble (Caliber Holdings), Steve Goodman (Goodman Financial Corporation), Benito Guerrier (Kirksey Architecture), Michael Hainkel (Lionsgate Entertainment), Rick C. Jaramillo (Bank of America), Avi Katz (Katz Coffee), Mohammed Lakhany (CSM Group), F. Paul Lott (LLW Consulting), Reginald E. McKamie Sr., Rose Hochner Nelson (University of Texas Health Science Center), Andrew Quartapella (FMQ Partners), Michael Ramos (APEX Financial Management Services), Ashley Smith, Sharmagne Taylor (On-Site Partners), Kwaku Temeng, and Jo Dee Wright.

Additionally, Vanessa Flores joins as an ex-officio member representing the UH Alumni Association Foundation Board of Directors.

A full list of current Board of Visitors members can be found on the university's website.