Dear UH System Faculty and Staff,

With mixed emotions, I announce that University of Houston-Victoria President Bob Glenn has decided to retire from UHV in August 2025. A consummate leader in higher education, his presence will be missed not only at UHV but also within the halls of academia.

During his almost decade-long tenure, President Glenn has been instrumental in elevating UHV's academic standing, expanding the campus and making a positive impact on the Victoria community that will last for generations.

He oversaw the growth and improvement of UHV with the opening of several new buildings, including UHV University South, UHV Northwest, University Commons and Don & Mona Smith Hall. He played a key role in securing a $2 million commitment from the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation for construction of the Health & Wellness Center, which will officially open this fall. In addition, he oversaw the Ben Wilson Street construction project that created an official entryway to campus.

During his tenure, he led the creation of the new Aviation minor degree program at UHV, garnering over $3 million in funding from the 88th Texas Legislature for its development. Accreditations were earned for UHV's bachelor's degree programs in computer science and nursing from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, respectively. In 2021, when its School Psychology program gained accreditation from The National Association of School Psychologists, it became one of only 13 Texas universities accredited by the association. Additionally, UHV has been included in The Princeton Review's Best Business Schools: Best On-Campus MBA Programs list (2021, 2022), was named third in the Niche Best Small College category in Texas (2023) and was recognized across 10 different categories by Intelligent.com, including No.7 for Best Online Master's in Creative Writing Degree Programs (2024).

To relieve students' financial burdens, President Glenn created a new President's Holiday Card design contest, awarding scholarships to first- and second-place winners. Additionally, he oversaw the development of the Emergency Aid Fund to help students with unforeseen expenses that could hinder their academic pursuits.

Moreover, he led the university's response to COVID-19, including transitioning all classes online and offering clear, open communication in weekly updates. His steady hand during one of our greatest crises in modern times was recognized by Educate to Career, which ranked UHV's response among the best in the state.

A man of the community, he serves on the boards of the DeTar Medical Center and the VEDC Regional Partnership, which promotes economic and job growth for the Victoria region. He proudly supports numerous Victoria-area programs, including the Victoria Symphony, the Victoria Bach Festival, the Texas Zoo, the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Victoria Generals and Keep Victoria Beautiful, among others. Notably, he also helped found the Victoria Young Professionals, which aims to foster new connections, career development and civic engagement among its members. Under his leadership, UHV launched several community engagement initiatives, including a mental health clinic providing free services to community members and the UHV Nonprofit Center, which offers free training and consulting services to help area nonprofits drive positive change.

I am grateful to President Glenn for his steadfast commitment to UHV and the indelible imprint he's left on its student body, faculty, staff and the greater community. While his accomplishments are highly impressive, it's his down-to-earth, thoughtful and humorous personality that truly made him an effective leader. He understands the importance of everyday human connection and uses that gift to the fullest.

I thank Bob and his wife Laurie for their tremendous dedication and service. Please join me in wishing them well on this next venture of their life.

With warm regards,

Renu Khator
Chancellor, University of Houston System