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<\/p>\nKey Takeaways<\/p>\n
A century of opportunity: Founded in 1927 to bring higher education within reach of working Houstonians, the
\n University of Houston begins its Centennial year celebrating 100 years of expanding
\n access and opportunity.<\/p>\n
A century of impact: From 460 students and 15 faculty members to a nationally recognized Tier One research
\n university, UH enters its Centennial from a position of strength, with record research
\n activity and growing impact in areas critical to Houston and the United States.<\/p>\n
A century takes shape: A year of Centennial events, storytelling and traditions will coincide with major
\n investments in UH\u2019s future, including new and expanded facilities, a growing research
\n enterprise and continued investment in students and the community UH was created to
\n serve.<\/p>\n
Nearly 100 years ago, a group of determined Houston high school seniors asked their
\n city for something that did not yet exist: a path to higher education for people who
\n needed to work and stay in Houston.<\/p>\n
The University of Houston was created to answer that call.<\/p>\n
A century later, that commitment to opportunity remains at the heart of UH as it prepares
\n to mark its 100th anniversary with a yearlong Centennial celebration honoring its
\n history, celebrating its people and looking boldly toward its next century.<\/p>\n
University of Houston President Renu Khator kicked off the Centennial celebration
\n during her 2026 State of the University address Thursday, tracing UH\u2019s journey from
\n 460 students and 15 faculty in 1927 to a major research university serving nearly
\n 49,000 students with record research activity, growing academic and health enterprises
\n and a campus undergoing significant transformation.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we stand here on the eve of the University of Houston\u2019s yearlong Centennial
\n celebration. As we smile with pride at our present and look with great anticipation
\n to our future, we must not forget that it is our past that has brought us here. Our
\n history is the foundation of all our present and future successes.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Renu Khator<\/p>\n
University of Houston President<\/p>\n
A University Built by the City, for the City<\/p>\n
By 1926, Houston was becoming the most populous city in Texas. Seeking higher education
\n opportunities for working people who could not afford to leave their jobs or the city,
\n 12 students from multiple Houston high schools approached the Houston Board of Education
\n for help. A year later, the first classes began. By 1934, the institution had grown
\n to become the University of Houston.<\/p>\n
That founding principle \u2014 creating opportunity by meeting the needs of the moment
\n \u2014 has endured even as those needs have changed. During World War II, UH adapted its
\n curriculum to support the war effort and military trainees. When Houston\u2019s economy
\n was devastated by the 1980s oil bust, the University developed programs to prepare
\n displaced workers for emerging industries. Through hurricanes and other challenges,
\n UH opened its facilities and resources to its community. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic,
\n the University launched a new medical school with a mission centered on improving
\n health and healthcare access in communities across Houston and Texas.<\/p>\n
That same spirit helped transform a small college serving working Houstonians into
\n a Tier One research university. UH is reporting $300 million in research expenditures
\n this year, with faculty advancing discoveries in health, energy, advanced materials,
\n technology and other areas critical to Houston and the nation. The University\u2019s next
\n goal is $500 million in annual research expenditures.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, students, for whom we built this University, are writing the new victory chapter
\n for the University of Houston,\u201d Khator said.<\/p>\n
Celebrating the People Who Make UH<\/p>\n
The centennial year will also celebrate the generations of people who made its progress
\n possible.<\/p>\n
Generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters whose stories stretch
\n from the classroom to the Moon. Through events, traditions and storytelling, UH will
\n bring those stories to life as the Cougar community celebrates the people and moments
\n that shaped its first 100 years.<\/p>\n
The Next Century Takes Shape<\/p>\n
The Centennial is not simply a look back at UH\u2019s first 100 years. As UH celebrates
\n its history, signs of its future are already taking shape across campus.<\/p>\n
Over the next 12 months, the University will unveil major improvements designed to
\n reshape the campus experience for the next generation of Cougars. Centennial Hall,
\n a new first-year residence hall; a new Dining Commons; and an expanded Student Center
\n North are all planned to open in 2027. Construction is already underway on a new home
\n for the Hobby School of Public Affairs, and UH will soon break ground on a new Medical
\n Research Building and an Innovation Hub.<\/p>\n
The physical transformation reflects broader momentum across the University. UH enters
\n its second century with a growing research enterprise, expanding leadership in health
\n and energy, ambitious academic programs and continued investment in the students and
\n community it was created to serve.<\/p>\n
For 100 years, the University of Houston has met the moment. Now, it is preparing
\n to meet the next one.<\/p>\n