The University of Houston System has announced the latest addition to its Board of Regents, Dallas businessman Calvin Stephens:
Reflecting the growing scope of the University of Houston System’s importance for the entire state, the latest addition to the Board of Regents is a noted businessman from Dallas, Calvin Stephens.
“We are extremely pleased that Gov. Perry has appointed Calvin Stephens to the University of Houston System Board of Regents. He is a wonderful addition to the board, both as an alumnus and as a major community leader in Dallas,” said Morgan Dunn O’Connor, chair of the UH System Board of Regents. “His appointment demonstrates the statewide impact and importance of the UH System. Our Board now includes representation from East Texas, Central Texas, South Central Texas, as well as Houston. Our sincere appreciation goes to outgoing Regent Theresa Chang who has served the UH System so well during her tenure.”
While Stephens, the chairman and president of SSP Consulting, is indeed honored that the governor selected someone from “faraway” Dallas to help oversee the UH System, he’s quick to point out that he still considers Houston home in many regards. As a youth and teenager, the Port Arthur-born Stephens spent every summer here with family in Cuney Homes, a housing project near the University of Houston campus.
“Many of my childhood friends are from the Third Ward area. And I learned to swim right there in the pool at Jack Yates High School, near the University,” Stephens recalled.
The system’s mission may be statewide, but the recent marketing slogan “Houston’s University” really is appropriate. A major urban research university is an important asset to this city, and thus the goings on there are important (contrary to the myopic contentions of some Houstonians).
Congratulations to Stephens. May he exercise good judgment in helping to govern Houston’s university.
