University of Houston-Clear Lake Student Derek Delgado to Serve as UH System Student Regent

Derek Delgado
University of Houston-Clear Lake student Derek Delgado has been named the student regent on the UH System Board of Regents. (Photo Courtesy: Travis Bryan Law Group)

When he’s not fighting fires as a volunteer firefighter or conducting legal research for a law firm, Derek Delgado is busy pursuing an undergraduate degree in legal studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Armed with a passion for politics, law and service, Delgado has been named the student regent on the University of Houston System Board of Regents, announced this week by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.  

Delgado will work with the nine members of the UH System Board of Regents to make governing decisions for the system and each of its four universities. Although he doesn’t have a vote on the board, he represents the voice of the system’s 74,0000 students.

“College is a huge part of your life and you only get it once, so making sure students maximize their collegiate careers and have their perspectives heard is really important to me,” said Delgado. “I’m honored to serve as the student regent and excited to see what we can do for students of the UH System to continue its success.”

The Pasadena, Texas, native is UHCL’s first ever student regent and will serve on the board until May 31, 2022. Delgado has not only excelled in the classroom but is also active in several organizations on campus. He served as the Student Government Association vice president, committee coordinator and senator of the College of Science and Engineering. He was also an orientation leader, member of UHCL’s Academic Honesty Panel and member of the Common Reader, International Scholarship, and Space Allocation committees.

“Derek Delgado is an exemplary student with a passion for the legal system and a commitment to service, which makes him an ideal student regent,” said UH System Chancellor Renu Khator. “His energy and ideas will be welcomed additions to the Board.”

When he’s not on campus, Delgado is employed part-time as a legal assistant at Travis Bryan Law Group, responsible for the intake of new and potential clients, drafting and filing legal documents, and conducting legal research for pending cases. At age 16, he starting working as a deputy court clerk at the city of Pasadena Municipal Court, a position he held for more than four years. He is also a volunteer firefighter for the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department, taking part in fire and rescue operations since 2019.

"I want to congratulate Mr. Delgado on this appointment and being University of Houston-Clear Lake’s first student regent," said Ira Blake, UHCL president. "He is an exceptional leader who will bring a valuable perspective to the Board of Regents. I have every confidence he will provide a voice for all UH System students."

Delgado succeeds outgoing student regent Alvaro De la Cruz who recently graduated from University of Houston-Victoria with a Master of Education in adult and higher education.

With aspirations of attending law school and even running for mayor of Pasadena one day, Delgado has his sights set high for not only himself, but also the UH System. “I know I can’t change the world tomorrow, but if I can do one thing better today than yesterday, that’s my goal.”


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