History of University of Houston in Timeline

The University of Houston, a public research university located in Houston, Texas, was founded in 1927 as Houston Junior College. It transitioned to a four-year institution in 1934 and was renamed the University of Houston. In 1977, it became the founding member of the University of Houston System. As of 2023, it is the fourth-largest university in Texas and conferred 11,156 degrees. The university has a global alumni base of 331,672 as of 2024.

March 7, 1927: Charter Founding of Houston Junior College

On March 7, 1927, the trustees of the Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) unanimously signed a charter founding Houston Junior College.

June 5, 1927: First Class of Houston Junior College

On June 5, 1927, Houston Junior College began its first class with an enrollment of 232 students and 12 faculty members recruited from Rice University, the University of Texas and Sam Houston State Teacher's College.

1927: The Cougar Student Newspaper Published

In 1927, The Cougar, formerly known as The Daily Cougar, the official student newspaper of the University of Houston, began publication.

1927: Establishment as Houston Junior College

In 1927, the University of Houston was established as Houston Junior College, a coeducational institution.

September 11, 1933: Resolution to Become a Four-Year Institution

On September 11, 1933, Houston's Board of Education adopted a resolution to make Houston Junior College a four-year institution and change its name to the University of Houston.

October 1933: Eligibility to Become a University

In October 1933, Houston Junior College became eligible to become a university when the governor of Texas signed House Bill 194 into law.

April 30, 1934: Formal Charter of UH Passed

On April 30, 1934, the formal charter of the University of Houston was passed unanimously by the board.

June 4, 1934: First Session as a Four-Year Institution

On June 4, 1934, the University of Houston's first session as a four-year institution began at San Jacinto High School with an enrollment of 682 students.

1934: Restructuring and Renaming to University of Houston

In 1934, Houston Junior College was restructured as a four-year degree-granting institution and renamed the University of Houston.

May 1935: First Commencement

In May 1935, the institution held its first commencement at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

1936: Donation of Land for Permanent Location

In 1936, heirs of philanthropists J. J. Settegast and Ben Taub donated 110 acres to the University of Houston for use as a permanent location.

1937: Addition of Saint Bernard Street

In 1937, the city added Saint Bernard Street, which was later renamed Cullen Boulevard, to lead to the university's land tract.

1938: Donation for First Building

In 1938, Hugh Roy Cullen donated $335,000 for the first building to be built at the University of Houston's permanent location.

1938: Official Seal Adopted

In 1938, the University of Houston officially adopted its seal, a stylized version of the coat-of-arms of General Sam Houston. The first official version was placed on the floor of the Roy Gustav Cullen Building.

June 4, 1939: Roy Gustav Cullen Memorial Building Dedicated

On June 4, 1939, the Roy Gustav Cullen Memorial Building was dedicated.

September 20, 1939: Roy Gustav Cullen Memorial Building Opened

On Wednesday, September 20, 1939, the Roy Gustav Cullen Memorial Building officially opened for classes.

1943: Decline in Enrollment due to WWII and V-12 Navy College Training Program

By the fall of 1943, there were only about 1,100 regular students at UH due to World War II; the university was one of six colleges selected to train radio technicians in the V-12 Navy College Training Program, and the 300 or so servicemen contributed in sustaining the faculty and facilities of the Engineering College.

March 12, 1945: Senate Bill 207 Signed into Law

On March 12, 1945, Senate Bill 207 was signed into law, removing the control of the University of Houston from HISD and placing it into the hands of a board of regents, transitioning UH into a private university.

March 1945: End of V-12 Navy College Training Program

In March 1945, the V-12 Navy College Training Program at the University of Houston concluded, having trained a total of 4,178 students.

March 1947: Authorization of Law School Creation

In March 1947, the regents authorized the creation of a law school at the University of Houston.

1947: Cougar Adopted as Mascot

In 1947, the cougar was adopted as the official mascot of the University of Houston and was later named Shasta.

1949: Gift from M.D. Anderson Foundation

In 1949, the M.D. Anderson Foundation made a $1.5 million gift to the University of Houston for the construction of a dedicated library building on the campus.

1950: Growth and Expansion

By 1950, the University of Houston's educational plant consisted of 12 permanent buildings. Enrollment was more than 14,000 with a full-time faculty of more than 300. KUHF, the university radio station, signed on in November.

1951: Second-Largest University in Texas

By 1951, the University of Houston had achieved the feat of being the second-largest university in the state of Texas.

1953: Establishment of KUHT

In 1953, the University of Houston established KUHT—the first educational television station in the nation—after the four yearlong Federal Communications Commission's television licensing freeze ended.

1953: First Football Game Against the University of Texas

In 1953, the University of Houston played its first football game against the University of Texas. During the trip to the game, Shasta I's paw was injured, and Longhorn players taunted UH players by holding up their hands with the ring finger bent.

1953: Original Development of Energy Research Park

Much of the physical property of the university's Energy Research Park was originally developed in 1953 by the oilfield services company Schlumberger as its global headquarters.

May 23, 1961: Senate Bill 2 Passed

On May 23, 1961, Senate Bill 2 was passed, enabling the University of Houston to enter the state system in 1963 after a battle between supporters and those from state universities.

1961: President's Residence Established at Weingarten House

In 1961, the Weingarten House in Riverside Terrace became the official residence for the president of the University of Houston.

1963: Entry into State System

In 1963, the University of Houston entered the state system. Around this time, UH became known as "Cougar High" due to its lower academic standards, which helped in recruiting athletes.

1968: Football Game Ends in a Tie

In 1968, UH and UT played to a 20–20 tie, with UH fans holding up the new sign of Cougar pride.

1970: Elizabeth Warren Receives B.S. from UH

In 1970, Elizabeth Warren, a U.S. senator from Massachusetts and formerly a University of Houston Law Center faculty member, received her B.S. from the University of Houston.

1976: UH Defeats UT

In 1976, UH defeated UT 30–0, in front of a record crowd at Texas' Memorial Stadium. This solidified the use of the Cougar Paw as a tradition.

1977: Establishment of the University of Houston System

In 1977, as the University of Houston celebrated its 50th anniversary, the Texas Legislature formally established the University of Houston System. Philip G. Hoffman resigned from his position as president of UH and became the first chancellor of the University of Houston System. The University of Houston became the oldest and largest member institution in the UH System with nearly 30,000 students.

1977: Founding Member of the University of Houston System

In 1977, the University of Houston became the founding member of the University of Houston System.

1977: President's Residence Moved from Weingarten House

In 1977, the president of the University of Houston ceased residing at the Weingarten House.

1981: Center for Public Policy Founded

In 1981, the Center for Public Policy was founded at the University of Houston, building the foundation for what would become the Hobby School of Public Affairs.

April 26, 1983: Name Appended to University of Houston–University Park

On April 26, 1983, the university appended its official name to University of Houston–University Park.

1983: Name as University of Houston–University Park

From 1983 to 1991, University of Houston was known as University of Houston–University Park.

1984: Tom DeLay Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1984, Tom DeLay, a former member and majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, began representing Texas's 22nd congressional district after attending the University of Houston.

1989: Andre Ware Wins Heisman Trophy

In 1989, Andre Ware, a Cougar, won the Heisman Trophy.

1989: Tradition of Owning Live Female Cougars Ceases

In 1989, upon the death of Shasta V, the tradition of the University of Houston owning live female cougars ceased.

August 26, 1991: Name Changed Back to University of Houston

On August 26, 1991, the name was changed back to University of Houston. This name change was an effort by the UH System to give its flagship institution a distinctive name that would eliminate confusion with the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD).

1991: Name Change Back to University of Houston

From 1983 to 1991, University of Houston was known as University of Houston–University Park.

1991: Purchase of The BLAZE Completed

In 1991, the purchase of The BLAZE, an oil field warning siren, was completed to represent the University of Houston's ties to the petroleum industry. The Sigma Chi Fraternity has overseen the siren and gave it the name "The BLAZE" in honor of its fallen brother, David Blazek.

1995: Joins Conference USA

In 1995, the University of Houston became a member of Conference USA.

1995: Founding of UH Sugar Land Campus

In 1995, the University of Houston's branch campus in Sugar Land was founded as a higher education "teaching center" of the University of Houston System.

1997: Combined Administration

In 1997, the administrations of the UH System and the University of Houston were combined under a single chief executive officer, with the dual title of chancellor of the UH System and president of the University of Houston. Arthur K. Smith became the first person to hold the combined position. Since 1997, the University of Houston System Administration has been located on campus in the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

1998: Women's Soccer Team Top Rated First-Year Program

In 1998, the University of Houston's women's soccer team was rated as the top first-year women's program in the country.

2004: Recognition of Campus Recreation and Wellness Center

In 2004, upon its completion, the 264,000 square feet (24,500 m) Campus Recreation and Wellness Center at the University of Houston, which is home to the nation's largest collegiate natatorium, was recognized by the National Intramural-Sports Association as an outstanding facility.

2005: Lil Wayne Enrolls at University of Houston

In 2005, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., also known as Lil Wayne, enrolled at the University of Houston but dropped out shortly after.

2006: Jasmine Crockett Graduates from UH Law Center

In 2006, Jasmine Crockett, who is now a U.S. representative from Texas's 30th congressional district, graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center.

2006: Conference USA Championship

In 2006, the Houston Cougars football team won the Conference USA Championship.

October 15, 2007: Selection of Renu Khator

On October 15, 2007, Renu Khator was selected for the position of UH System chancellor and UH president.

November 5, 2007: Confirmation of Renu Khator

On November 5, 2007, Renu Khator was confirmed as the third person to hold the dual title of UH System chancellor and UH president concurrently.

2007: Crystle Stewart's last year at the University of Houston

In 2007, Crystle Stewart, who would later win Miss USA, was last attending the University of Houston.

January 2008: Renu Khator Takes Office

In January 2008, Renu Khator took office as the UH System chancellor and UH president.

January 2008: Renu Khator Appointed President and Chancellor

In January 2008, Renu Khator was appointed as the president of the University of Houston and also assumed the role of chancellor of the UH System, a position appointed by the board of regents.

2008: Crystle Stewart wins Miss USA 2008

In 2008, Crystle Stewart, a former student at the University of Houston, won the Miss USA title.

August 2009: University Lofts Opens

In August 2009, University Lofts, a university-owned residential facility targeting graduate and professional students, opened. It includes retail stores, lecture halls, and recreation facilities.

2009: Acquisition of Energy Research Park

In 2009, the University of Houston acquired the Energy Research Park, which specializes in energy research.

August 2010: Cougar Village I Opens

In August 2010, Cougar Village I, a dormitory primarily for freshman, including first year Honors students, opened at the University of Houston.

January 2011: Carnegie Foundation Classification

In January 2011, the University of Houston was classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a research university with very high research activity.

August 29, 2011: CoogRadio Debuts

On August 29, 2011, CoogRadio, the University of Houston's student-run college radio station, made its debut.

2011: Moody Towers Renovated

During the summer of 2011, the rooms in Moody Towers, a large residence hall complex on the University of Houston campus, were renovated.

2011: Adoption of Shasta VI

In 2011, when a cougar cub was orphaned in Washington State and moved to the Houston Zoo, the University of Houston adopted it as its first live male cougar mascot, naming him Shasta VI.

August 2013: Cougar Village II Opens

In August 2013, Cougar Village II, a dormitory for freshman, including first year Honors students, opened at the University of Houston.

2013: Cougar Place Demolished

In 2013, Cougar Place, an apartment-style housing complex consisting of 400 units, was demolished and has since been replaced with a new on-campus housing complex for sophomores.

2013: Joins American Athletic Conference

In 2013, the University of Houston joined the American Athletic Conference after being a member of Conference USA since its formation in 1995.

2015: American Athletic Conference championship

In 2015, the Houston Cougars football team won the American Athletic Conference championship.

August 2016: Hobby School of Public Affairs Approved

In August 2016, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the creation of the Hobby School of Public Affairs, named in honor of former Texas Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby. This action officially moved the Master of Public Policy Degree from the UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences to the Hobby School of Public Affairs and approved the addition of a Master of Public Policy degree as a dual degree with the Graduate College of Social Work's Master of Social Work.

June 2017: Court Rules on Expulsion of Students in Sexual Assault Case

In June 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the University of Houston did not violate the Constitution's Due Process Clause or Title IX when it expelled a student for committing a campus sexual assault in a dorm room and abandoning the victim in an elevator, along with his girlfriend, who recorded the assault and shared the video on social media.

October 2018: College of Medicine Approved

In October 2018, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the creation of the College of Medicine at the University of Houston. A site was selected for the college's new building.

2018: Research and Development Spending

According to the National Science Foundation, in 2018, the University of Houston spent $177 million on research and development, ranking it 123rd in the nation. The university operates over 40 research centers and institutes, fostering partnerships with government, healthcare, and private industry in various interdisciplinary research areas.

2018: Fertitta Center Renaming

In 2018, Hofheinz Pavilion at the University of Houston was rebuilt and renamed to the Fertitta Center after UH received a $20 million donation from Tilman Fertitta.

2018: Launch of 50in5 Initiative

In 2018, the University of Houston launched its 50in5 initiative, led by Provost Paula Short and Vice President for Research Amr Elnashai, with the goal of increasing research by 50 percent in five years. This includes doubling the number of UH's national centers from five to 10, aiming to improve its standing for membership in the Association of American Universities.

2018: Increased Focus on Funding Athletics

Since 2018, the University of Houston has invested $170 million into its football program in pursuit of national relevance, reflecting a shift in values towards sports programs over academic initiatives, influenced by major donors.

2020: Rebuilt Quadrangle Renamed The Quad

In 2020, the Quadrangle at the University of Houston was rebuilt and renamed The Quad, admitting sophomore level students and up.

2020: Inaugural Class Enters College of Medicine

In 2020, the inaugural class entered the University of Houston's newly established College of Medicine.

2020: The Quad Completed

In the Fall of 2020, The Quad, the newest dorm on the University of Houston campus, was completed. Named after the former dorms, "The Quadrangle," it includes laundry facilities on each floor, as well as a recreational facility, computer lab, and an outdoor courtyard.

2021: Invitation to Big 12 Conference

In 2021, the University of Houston received and accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference.

August 2022: Shasta VI Passes Away

In August 2022, Shasta VI, the University of Houston's live male cougar mascot, passed away from a progressive spinal disease. In November of the same year, the Houston Zoo received two orphaned male cubs, named Shasta VII and Louie, from Washington State Fish & Wildlife Services to continue the tradition of representing the University of Houston.

2022: Approval of Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American and Latino/a Applied Studies

In 2022, the UH System Board of Regents unanimously approved the addition of a new degree program: the Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American and Latino/a Applied Studies, aiming to focus on the experiences and contributions of the Latino community in the United States.

2022: Funding for Center of Economic Inclusion

In 2022, the University of Houston received $4 million to expand its Center of Economic Inclusion.

2022: Championship Titles

In 2022, the University of Houston's men's track and field team earned its seventh Indoor Conference Championship title, and its swimming and diving team defended its American Athletic Conference title for the sixth straight season.

January 2023: Jasmine Crockett Becomes U.S. Representative

In January 2023, Jasmine Crockett, a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center in 2006, became the U.S. Representative from Texas's 30th congressional district.

2023: Value of 1938 Donation in 2023

In 1938, Hugh Roy Cullen donated $335,000, which is equivalent to $5.7 million in 2023.

2023: Degrees Awarded

In 2023, the University of Houston, the fourth-largest university in Texas, awarded 11,156 degrees.

2024: Worldwide Alumni Base

As of 2024, the University of Houston has a worldwide alumni base of 331,672.

2024: Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program Ranked #1

In 2024, The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine ranked the undergraduate entrepreneurship studies program at the Bauer College of Business 1st in the nation.

2024: UH Ranked Among Top Universities by U.S. News & World Report

In 2024, the University of Houston was ranked in the top 50 universities for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. The University of Houston Law Center was ranked tied for 68th in the nation and 5th in the state of Texas, and the C.T. Bauer College of Business was ranked as the 56th best business school in the country and 7th best in the state of Texas.