Blake Appointed Special Assistant to Chancellor

Dear UH-Clear Lake Community,

Today, Ira K. Blake has accepted my invitation to serve as special assistant to the Chancellor of the University of Houston System, assisting me in developing new initiatives toward student success at our four institutions.  This is a role that she is uniquely qualified for, drawing on her extensive background in higher education and personal interest in students.

To accept this challenging new assignment, she will be leaving her position as president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, effective Oct. 8.  This is not a decision she had made lightly, of course.  Since being named UHCL’s fifth president in 2017, she has forged many lasting relationships on campus and off while leading the university to gains in enrollment, increased diversity and inclusion and expanded civic and corporate partnerships.

I have appointed Richard Walker, vice chancellor and vice president for student affairs and enrollment services at UH System and UH, to serve as interim president at UHCL, beginning Oct. 9.  He brings over 39 years of experience in higher education, at both public and private institutions.  His many leadership roles reflect his commitment to students and to higher education. 

I wish to thank him for his contributions to our system during this period of transition.

I want to offer my deep appreciation to President Blake for the energy and dedication she brought to UHCL, and I look forward to working with her as she undertakes this new assignment.

With warm regards,

Renu Khator