The UH System Board of Regents welcomed three new members to their ranks on Thursday, filling the seats of members whose terms expired at the end of August.
Officially appointed by Gov. Rick Perry on Aug. 24, Spencer Armour III, Roger Fleming Welder and Welcome Wilson Jr. started their six-year terms on the board on Sept. 1.
The appointment holds a special meaning for Armour, who is a UH alumnus.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to serve on the board of your alma mater,” Armour said. “I can’t imagine a better feeling than that.”
A native of the small town of Silsbee, Armour has a personal connection to the campus where he obtained a bachelor’s in economics and met his wife. The business owner from the class of ’76 said the University awakened him as a student and foresees the school reaching great heights in the future.
“I truly feel that UH is going to be a flagship university in the state of Texas,” Armour said.
“With the Tier One status, the sleeping giant has awakened and we’re on the verge of some really good things.”
After attending UH, Armour moved to West Texas where he found his calling in the oil industry. He is managing partner of Armada Gas and Oil, and in the past has served as president and board member of the Petroleum Club of Midland.
Emerging from a blue collar background, Armour said he has accomplished most of his business goals.
He dismissed the notion of his new position being merely another notch on his career belt and emphasized that his dedication to the university’s future is genuine.
“Look, I’m 57 years old; this is not a resume builder for me,” Armour said. “I’m involved because I want to be involved; I want to see the University achieve the great things that it can.”
While not as familiar with the campus as Armour, Roger Welder possesses an extensive background in the education and business sectors. The Victoria resident and TCU alumnus currently serves as vice-chair of both the First Victoria National Bank and the Victoria College board of directors as well as president of the Victoria ISD Education Foundation.
“I’m very excited and humbled to get an appointment on the board,” Welder said.
“I’m passionate about education and hopefully my experience will help students be successful.”
Houston-native Welcome Wilson Jr. will probably have an easier time than most transitioning into his new position, courtesy of some family advice. He replaced his father, Welcome Wilson Sr., on the board.
Wilson Jr. is president and CEO of GSL Welcome Group, a Texas property developer.
He also serves as a board member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, Houston Realty Business Coalition, Southwest TIRZ 20, Sharpstown Management District and the Houston Food Bank.
The board members will participate in an orientation meeting later this month.
UH President Renu Khator met with the new members individually and gave them high praise in a press release.
“With their diverse business backgrounds, considerable talents and strong leadership abilities, I am confident that each of these appointees will make outstanding contributions to our board and to the University of Houston System,” Khator said.
