About the President

President William A. Staples

William A. Staples became the fourth president of University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1995. During Staples’ 16 years as president, UH-Clear Lake 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 Community Partners 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 board of Communities In Schools Bay Area. Staples served as chairman of the board for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in 2003 and 2004. He has been recognized for his work including being chosen as the recipient of the NASA Public Service Medal in 2003, being selected as the 2005 E. A. Smith YMCA Community of Stars Gala honoree, honored by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership with the 2008 Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence and given the 2010 George B. Carlisle Award by the Clear Creek Education Foundation.

From 2009 to 2011, Staples served on the board of trustees for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In 2009, he also served as chair of the board of trustees for SACS following his service as vice chair in 2008.

Staples currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement.  

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.