Honorary Chair, UH System Board of Regents
Chairman of the Board and CEO Landry's, Inc.

About the Honorary Chair Appointment
The University of Houston Board of Regents has designated former Regent and Board Chairman Tilman J. Fertitta as Honorary Chair, recognizing his visionary leadership and extraordinary contributions to the UH System over nearly 16 years of service.

During his tenure, including more than a decade as Chair, Fertitta guided the UH System through a historic era of growth and transformation. Under his leadership, UH achieved Tier One research status, joined the prestigious Big 12 athletic conference, and experienced record-breaking gains in enrollment, academic achievement, and national reputation.

Fertitta was instrumental in the establishment of the UH College of Medicine and the College of Nursing, advancing the university’s ability to address critical healthcare needs in Houston and across Texas. He championed transformative campus development projects throughout the UH System and secured historic state funding, including $1.3 billion from the Texas University Fund and $340 million in capital construction support. His enduring commitment to student success, research excellence, and community impact embodies the spirit of the Honorary Chair designation.

 
Biography of Tilman J. Fertitta
Tilman J. Fertitta is a Houston-based billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and proud alumnus of the University of Houston. He is Chairman, CEO, and sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, Inc., which owns Landry’s, Inc., a nationally recognized hospitality, gaming, and entertainment company that operates more than 600 restaurants, hotels, and casinos across the U.S. and internationally.

Fertitta is also the sole owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, and in 2018, Forbes named him one of the “World’s Richest Sports Owners.” He is a familiar face to many as the star of the CNBC show “Billion Dollar Buyer,” where he showcased his entrepreneurial expertise and passion for helping small businesses succeed.

Beyond business, Fertitta is a committed philanthropist and community leader. His generosity has had a transformative impact on the University of Houston, where he has funded scholarships, academic programs, and facilities. Notably, his $20 million gift to the UH basketball program helped establish the Fertitta Center, a premier arena for Cougar Athletics.

With his long-standing dedication to UH’s growth and success, Fertitta’s appointment as Honorary Chair reflects not only his leadership as a Regent, but also his role as one of the University of Houston’s most influential champions.