UHCL 50: The journey to transform, transcend, translate

As the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) marks its 50th anniversary, it recognizes the significant milestones in its history— including both the growth in and on campus and also by way of the individuals who have matriculated through the institution.

Established in 1974 as University of Houston at Clear Lake City, offering select graduate courses for Manned Spaceflight Center (MSC) employees, UHCL has become an essential institution of higher education in Texas, contributing to the world's leading challenges for half a century.

With over 90 degree programs in business, healthcare, humanities, STEM, and human sciences, UHCL has produced innovative leaders for the city, region, and the world. Its four colleges of Business, Education, Human Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Engineering offer courses leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in over 40 fields of study, enabling thousands of graduates to pursue new careers or advance their current paths.

Although the birth of UHCL came from the need for graduate engineering programs at MSC, the primary focus for achieving national prominence in transformative education grounded in creative activities, innovative research, and community partnerships that serve regional, state, and global locations remains steadfast at the university.

In honor of UHCL's 50th anniversary, Professor Kevin Wooten, one of the university's longest-serving faculty members, takes us down memory lane, reflecting on his time as a student and professor.