UHCL : Walker Named Interim UHCL President, Blake Takes System Post

Press release from University of Houston-Clear Lake:

October 11, 2021

To accept this challenging new assignment, Blake left her position as president of
UH-Clear Lake on Oct. 8.

Blake will draw on her extensive background in higher education and personal interest
in students to inform and shape System-wide initiatives that bridge the gap between
dreams and opportunity, tackling pressing issues ranging from improving access and
degree attainment to creating innovative new programs that better prepare students
for their future careers.

"This is not a decision she had made lightly," Khator said. "Since being named UHCL's
fifth president in 2017, she has forged many lasting relationships on campus and off
while leading the university to gains in enrollment, increased diversity and inclusion
and expanded civic and corporate partnerships."

Blake grew UHCL in size, reaching record enrollment in 2019. She also expanded the
footprint of the university with the opening of four new buildings that create more
space for learning and engagement. She led the university's strategic plan implementation
"Impact 2025 and Beyond," which focuses on opening doors to accessible education and
was launched in spring 2020. She joined UHCL after serving as provost and senior vice
president for academic affairs at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania since 2009.

Blake holds a master's degree in educational psychology from San Francisco State University
and a second master's degree and a doctorate in developmental psychology from Columbia
University.

"I want to offer my deep appreciation to President Blake for the energy and dedication
she brought to UHCL, and I look forward to working with her as she undertakes this
new assignment," Khator said.

Richard Walker, vice chancellor and vice president for student affairs and enrollment
services at UH System and UH, is to serve as interim president at UHCL beginning Oct.
9. Walker brings nearly four decades of valuable experience in higher education, at
both public and private institutions.

"Dr. Walker's many leadership roles, as a skilled administrator and stalwart educator,
reflect his commitment to students and to higher education," Khator said. "I am confident
he will provide a steady hand at UHCL and continue the growth and progress the university
has been enjoying."

A national search for a new president of University of Houston-Clear Lake will begin
in November.

This press release was produced by University of Houston-Clear Lake. The views expressed here are the author’s own.