The University selected five alumni of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences to be a part of the newly created Board of Visitors. The BoV is a leadership group of private-sector opinion leaders and University advocates that serves to advance UH and improve the University’s image in Houston and throughout the region.
“Prospective members are nominated by peers and are carefully selected by a nominating committee and meet with President (and Chancellor Renu) Khator and Vice President of Advancement Eloise Stuhr,” said Richard Bonnin, executive director of media relations at UH.
The five recipients were Comerica Bank Houston President J. Downey Bridgwater, Gibbs and Bruns LLP attorney Fermeen Fazal, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Laura Murillo, KPRC-NBC 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse and Lonestar Energy Fabrication CEO Darryl A. Schroeder.
“The members of this group were selected for their expertise and excellence in a variety of fields,” said Board Chair John T. McNabb II in a UH press release. “This board is comprised of people who care about Houston and are confident that UH can play a vital role in advancing the city.”
Formed in late 2013, the board includes loyal alumni and longtime supporters of the University. BoV members represent a array of expertise, interests and connections. They are appointed to serve three-year terms as ambassadors and advisers for the University.
“This board is incredibly important because it brings people together who are connected to UH, but these connections are in the community rather than on campus,” said board member Nelda Luce Blair in a UH press release. “As board members, we have the opportunity to further the connection between the University and the community.”
The 46-member board is dedicated to enhancing the University’s presence in the city of Houston and beyond. Nonetheless, it serves in an advisory capacity, providing strategic counsel to Khator and her cabinet. The BoV conducted its inaugural meeting in December 2013 and recently gathered for an on-campus workshop to share thoughts on how UH can bolster its position as a partner to the city.
Members are engaged in focus areas related to promotion of the University’s image and pride points, opening doors for strategic partnerships in the business sector and greater public and private community, student success, including access to mentorships and internships and job opportunities, among others.
“As a university, we are committed to helping Houston continue to prosper and, in turn, we deeply appreciate the support we receive from the community,” Khator said in a UH press release.
“Our new Board of Visitors will allow us to expand and enhance that mutually beneficial relationship. I am extremely impressed by the caliber of those who have agreed to serve and equally grateful for their dedication.”
