William A. Staples became the fourth president of University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1995. During Staples’ 14 years as president, UHCL has built vital partnerships, developed new academic programs and expanded the university’s endowment. His leadership has set the stage for key initiatives that have taken the UHCL experience beyond the classroom and into the community.

Staples joined UHCL in 1979 as an associate professor of marketing and was promoted to professor of marketing in 1984. Before his presidency, he served the School of Business as coordinator, program director, associate dean and dean.

By serving in various capacities with the university, Staples has gained a deep level of understanding about the organization and how it operates. As chief executive officer of UHCL, Staples works closely with university constituents including the Development and Advisory Council, the UHCL Alumni Association Executive Council and the Community College Advisory Council.

As a strong advocate of the university’s shared governance system, Staples serves as chair of the University Council, which includes representatives from the Faculty Senate, Professional and Administrative Staff Association, Support Staff Association and Student Government Association.

Staples’ community affiliations include serving on the board of directors for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and as a member of the advisory boards of the Bay Area Transportation Partnership and Communities in Schools Bay Area. Staples served as chairman of the board for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in 2003 and 2004.

In 2009, Staples assumed the role of chair of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ (SACS) board of trustees for the 2009-2010 term. He also serves as a member of the SACS Commission on Colleges board of trustees. Previously, Staples served a one-year term as vice chair and a six-year term as a commissioner for the organization. In October 2007, he completed a two-year term as vice president of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities.

Career highlights for Staples include receiving the 2003 NASA Public Service Medal for exceptional contributions to the mission of NASA; serving as chairman of the board for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in 2003 and 2004; and receiving the Texas Art Education Association’s 2004 Governmental Award for Meritorious Service in the Arts. He was selected as the 2005 E. A. Smith YMCA Community of Stars Gala honoree and, more recently, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership honored Staples with its 2008 Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence

Staples earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drake University in 1970, a master of business administration from University of Iowa in 1972, and a doctorate in business administration from University of Houston in 1977.