UHCL History

The establishment of the university was authorized by the 62nd Texas Legislature in 1971. The measure was the result of a 1968 report by the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System (now the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board) calling for a second University of Houston campus to provide upper-level and graduate programs. In 1973, the Texas Senate authorized construction of a permanent campus at Clear Lake.

Construction began early in 1974 with the first phase of the Bayou Building, the largest of the university’s five principal buildings. September 1974 marked the beginning of regularly scheduled classes on the UHCL campus under the leadership of UHCL’s founding chancellor, Alfred R. Neumann. Opening day enrollment totaled 1,069 students and 60 professors comprised the charter faculty.

Today, nestled on a 524-acre wildlife and nature preserve, UHCLhas become a cornerstone of higher education in the state. Since opening its doors in 1974, the university has awarded more than 47,000 degrees.

The university emphasizes high academic standards through teaching, research and community service and delivers outstanding educational opportunities in a traditional classroom setting using the latest instructional technologies, as well as cutting-edge distance learning.

The Schools of Business, Education, Human Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Computer Engineering offer courses leading to bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 fields of study and master’s degrees in over 40 fields of study. With the addition of a doctoral program in educational leadership in 2007, UHCL continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of its students and the community.

In its short history, UH-Clear Lake has earned a distinctive reputation as a community-minded, partnership-oriented university. UHCL has developed partnerships with area businesses, organizations, schools and individuals that enhance the region’s educational, economic, cultural, scientific, engineering and professional environment.

The university’s numerous institutes and centers, such as the Environmental Institute of Houston, Mid-Continent Technology Transfer Center, Center for Educational Programs, Psychological Services Clinic and Center for Advanced Management Programs, reflect UHCL’s commitment to community service.

By developing partnerships in the global community, UHCL has formed collaborative programs and cross-cultural faculty and student exchanges in 15 countries. UHCL is currently active in six countries around the world.

With an average age of 32, nearly half of UHCL’s students are enrolled in graduate courses. The university serves a diverse population of more than 7,500 students from the state, the nation and abroad.