Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed University of Houston student Christian A. “Chris” Pepe as the next student regent on the UH System Board of Regents. Pepe’s term began on June 1, and he will serve on the Board until May 31, 2027, representing students across all three UH System universities.

Deborah E. Bordelon, chief academic officer and provost at the University of Houston-Downtown, will serve as interim president of UHD effective May 1, following the departure of Loren J. Blanchard, who was recently appointed president of California State University, Long Beach. UH System Chancellor Renu Khator made the announcement to the UHD community today.

Building on a period of remarkable growth, the University of Houston System welcomes four new members to its Board of Regents — accomplished leaders who will continue driving the system’s push for academic and research excellence.