Dear Friends of UHV,

The University of Houston-Victoria had much to celebrate in 2013-2014, as you’ll see when you browse this annual report website. Our online annual report makes information about UHV available to a wider audience beyond our campus community and allows us to feature videos and highlights from the Nov. 11 Annual Report & Excellence Awards event.

This is a pivotal time in UHV’s history as we reflect on our past and build our future. Last year was a time for growth. We broke ground on our new three-story Academic & Regional Economic Development Building, our first new academic building in more than a decade. We expanded the size of our Victoria campus with the purchase of nearly 5 acres of land on the east side of Ben Wilson Street across from the main campus and an additional 1.4 acres of land at the southeast corner of Red River and Ben Wilson streets. We hope this land eventually will be used for a new academic building and student housing. For the second summer in a row, we also expanded the seating area in Jaguar Hall Dining to make room for more students. We increased the size of a science lab on the first floor of our University Center building, and thanks to a grant from the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation, a new athletic training room became a reality for our student-athletes.

We also celebrated many milestones during the year. Members of what is known as the FIRST 200, our first class of freshmen admitted in fall 2010, began to graduate. We were designated a Military Friendly School for the first time for our work recruiting and supporting active military personnel and veterans. Our online undergraduate programs also drew national recognition from U.S. News & World Report when they appeared in the publication’s 2014 rankings of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. Our rating of No. 13 was the second highest in the state out of nine Texas universities that made the list.

In addition, we received great news when the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges visited UHV as part of its accreditation review and found the university passed all major standards with only one recommendation. We expect to receive official word about our re-accreditation by the end of 2014. This is something we take very seriously because the university must undergo review every 10 years to remain accredited. UHV also broke its own fundraising record for the second year in a row. The university received total commitments of $2.21 million, easily outpacing the previous record of $1.82 million set in fiscal year 2013.

As you can see, a lot went on in 2013-2014. Because of the growth and accomplishments that have occurred during the past year, our theme for the annual report is “Building the Future.”

As you look through the site, be sure to view the short videos featuring students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members talking about how UHV has helped them build their futures. You’ll also see photos from the annual report dinner and videos of our special recognition award recipients. You’ll hear from speakers about our academic, student affairs, athletics and community achievements in 2013-2014. This website also features enrollment numbers, financial figures and many more success stories, so I hope you’ll take your time viewing it.

As I look at the changes UHV is undergoing, I am very thankful for the support we have received from Victoria and the region. Without our students, faculty and staff, our generous donors and our supportive community, these accomplishments would not have been possible. I know that UHV will continue building the future and serving the higher education needs of those who live in Victoria, the Crossroads, Greater Houston and beyond.

Sincerely,

R. Vic Morgan
Interim President, University of Houston-Victoria