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.
The University of Houston has appointed Amanda Canales as the inaugural director of Rio Grande Valley external relations, a newly created role designed to deepen the University’s engagement across South Texas.
Sara Lujan Donatto, Assistant Vice Chancellor / Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at the University of Houston System, has been recognized as one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2025” by Houston Woman Magazine.
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.
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.
The University of Houston has appointed Amanda Canales as the inaugural director of Rio Grande Valley external relations, a newly created role designed to deepen the University’s engagement across South Texas.
Sara Lujan Donatto, Assistant Vice Chancellor / Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at the University of Houston System, has been recognized as one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2025” by Houston Woman Magazine.
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.
The University of Houston System is poised to build on its extraordinary momentum with the appointment of Patrick Fertitta as the newest member of the Board of Regents, a distinguished leader who will ensure the UH System continues its rise as a powerhouse of academic excellence, research and innovation.