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Education

University of Houston names Dr. Jonathan McCullers new dean for Fertitta College

The University of Houston has appointed Dr. Jonathan McCullers as the new vice president of health affairs and dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. He succeeds Dr. Stephen Spann, who retired in August after a long career in medicine, including eight years at UH.


Education

HISD partners with Chevron to expand career education programs

HISD has announced a new partnership with Chevron Shipping Company LLC (Chevron) to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming within the District.


Education

University of Houston maintains top status despite slight drop in U.S News ranking

The University of Houston has maintained its position among the top 75 public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Top Public School rankings, securing the No. 74 spot. This marks a slight change from last year's rank of No. 70. The university continues to make progress in key student success metrics, which remain central to its mission of improving educational outcomes.


Education

University unveils guidelines enhancing access to opioid use disorder treatments in pharmacies

Pharmacists now have more guidance in combating the opioid crisis and providing treatment to patients thanks to new national guidelines developed at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. The Pharmacy Access to Resources and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Guideline, released today, addresses critical barriers in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder across the nation’s community pharmacies.


Education

Zaira Gomez honored as HISD Star Educator

Zaira Gomez, a dedicated employee and graduate of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), has been recognized as this week's HISD Star Educator. Gomez has served in various roles within the district since graduating from Worthing High School 21 years ago.


Education

HISD teachers receive Kinder Excellence awards for impactful teaching

Two Houston Independent School District (HISD) teachers have been recognized with the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Awards for their innovative and effective teaching methods in underserved communities. Alexis Gage, a science teacher at Chavez High School, and Eric Pacheco, a third-grade teacher at Rodriguez Elementary, were honored for their dedication to their students.


Education

Dedicated food service attendant celebrates 50 years with HISD

HISD Nutrition Services employees and leaders gathered at Hobby Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 18, to surprise food service attendant Diane Fields in celebration of her 50th year with the District. Senior Executive Director of Nutrition Services Betti Wiggins presented Fields with a certificate of appreciation and an engraved award.


Education

UH Law Center receives $1.25 million gift for mediation clinic

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) has received a $1.25 million gift from alumnus Alan F. Levin and his wife, Diane, to endow the Mediation Clinic and enhance mediation training for students.


Education

Scientists receive $1M grant for AI-powered clean energy research

As the world races to combat environmental degradation and climate challenges, transitioning to renewable energy has become a top priority. However, the inconsistent nature of wind, solar, and other renewable sources poses a significant challenge to maintaining a stable energy supply, which has slowed the transition.


Education

HISD recognizes Bettina McKinney as Star Educator

Bettina McKinney, the principal of Highland Heights Elementary School, has been recognized as this week’s HISD Star Educator for her leadership and dedication. Under her guidance, the school has seen significant improvements in student performance over the past three years.


Education

University of Houston develops advanced wearable eye-tracking sensors

A University of Houston engineering team has developed wearable sensors to examine eye movement for assessing brain disorders or damage. Many brain diseases manifest as eye symptoms, often before other signs appear.


Education

HISD students engage with politics through presidential debate watch parties

A recent Harvard poll indicates that more than half of young Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 definitely plan on voting in this November’s Presidential election. For many high schoolers, this November will mark the first major election in which they will be eligible to vote, and excitement is high in HISD. High school students turned out by the dozens on Tuesday night to watch the debate between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris at several campus-based watch parties throughout the District.


Education

HISD schedules hiring event for special education teacher assistants on September 26

The HISD Talent Acquisition Team will host a Special Education Teacher Assistant Hiring Event on Thursday, September 26, from 5-7 p.m. at two separate locations:


Education

University of Houston project selected for USDA initiative on soil health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has selected a University of Houston project as one of 12 nationwide initiatives aimed at enhancing soil health and productivity through innovative tools and techniques. The UH project will focus on developing a new nutrient management strategy to grow crops in poor-quality soils with higher resistance to climate change.


Education

University commemorates lives lost during solemn September 11th ceremony

The University of Houston community gathered this morning to pay tribute to the lives lost and forever changed by the tragic events of 9/11. Held at the World Trade Center Memorial on the south lawn of the Student Center, the solemn ceremony was a moment of reflection, remembrance, and unity. This day marked the 23rd anniversary of the attacks that shaped a generation.


Education

Houston Texans launch new literacy program with HISD elementary schools

The Houston Texans and the Wade Smith Foundation have partnered to encourage HISD students to read through the Reading with the Pros program. This initiative will bring active Texans players into several HISD elementary schools twice a month to read to students, aiming to improve attendance and foster a lifelong love for reading.


Education

University of Houston opens new $44 million dining center

The University of Houston has unveiled its latest addition to the campus dining scene, "The RAD." The Retail, Auxiliary and Dining Center, a 41,000 square foot facility costing $44 million, replaces the old Student Center Satellite. The new structure is designed to be above ground and less prone to flooding.


Education

Dr. Diego Linares recognized as HISD's Star Educator

This week’s Star Educator, Dr. Diego Linares, is a seasoned educator with experience helping schools meet their full potential. When Linares was named principal of Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center High School in 2022, he was more than prepared to help guide the school into a successful future.


Education

Discovery at UH College of Pharmacy could advance treatments for spongy heart disease

University of Houston Associate Professor of Pharmacology Mingfu Wu has been awarded $2.6 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to further his research on how the heart forms in the womb. The findings may lead to the development of new medicines to fight left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), also known as spongy heart disease. Most patients with LVNC will require heart transplants.


Education

Astros Foundation partners with Oxy for HISD student supply giveaway

Fifth graders at Dogan Elementary received a surprise visit on Friday, Sept. 6, from representatives of Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) and the Astros Foundation. The event marked the start of the school year with donations of books and school supplies. Astros mascot Orbit entertained the students with games and music provided by a DJ.