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UHCL Administrative Leadership

Leadership at UHCL

Leaders at University of Houston-Clear Lake take to heart its mission of offering high-quality instruction and nationally accredited academic programs so students can develop vital critical thinking, creative, quantitative, leadership and communication skills. The administration and academic leaders have developed cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships, thanks to a shared vision for excellence and sustained growth. UHCL strives to fulfill its commitment to create a campus that makes the needs, interests and success of its students its top priorities.

UHCL Administration

  • Office of the President – The public face of the university, while providing the necessary leadership for all activities, goals and directives
  • Academic Affairs and Provost – The leading voice for the faculty and students in all academic matters and concerns
  • Administration and Finance – The driver for day-to-day operations related to budget, human resources, campus safety and more
  • Student Affairs – The anchor for campus life, student engagement and support services
  • Strategic Enrollment Management – The office aimed at helping the university achieve and maintain optimal recruitment, retention and graduation rates
  • University Advancement – The division that elevates the university through engagement, promotion, and fundraising

Office of the President

Dr. Richard Walker was appointed to serve as UHCL's sixth president in May 2022, after serving as the interim president for seven months. He has over 40 years of experience in higher education, at both public and private institutions. At University of Houston System, he served as the vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. At University of Houston, he served as the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. His many leadership roles reflect his commitment to students and to higher education. 

Direct report offices include:

UHCL Organizational Chart (PDF)

Academic Affairs and Provost 

Dr. Christopher Maynard joined UHCL in September 2021. As the senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost, he presides over key functions at UHCL, including providing leadership for the deans of all four colleges. 

Direct report offices include:

Administration and Finance

In 2018, Mr. Mark Denney became the vice president for Administration and Finance. Prior to joining the team, he served in various leadership roles, including his time as the chief business officer at Salida Union in northern California. He also served 13 years on active duty and 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2005.

His primary responsibilities include organization of all matters financial and operational for the campus.

Direct report offices include:

Division of Administration and Finance Org Chart (PDF)

Student Affairs

Dr. Tina Powellson, Vice President for Student Affairs, joined the UHCL leadership team in September 2022. Previously, she served as the director of the Center for Student Involvement at University of Houston. She brings more than 20 years of experience in Student Affairs to her role.

In this new position, she oversees offices that help students get better acquainted with the university, get involved, and meet their career and health needs.

Direct report offices include:

Strategic Enrollment Management

Dr. Matt Aschenbrener has served as UHCL's vice president (VP) of Strategic Enrollment (SEM) since May 2023. He has more than 25 years of experience and demonstrated record success in admissions, academic advising, financial aid, and other areas.

As the VP of SEM, Dr. Aschenbrener oversees the university's enrollment management efforts to recruit, enroll and retain a diverse and talented student body.

Direct report offices include:

  • Recruitment and Admissions Executive Director
  • Financial Aid Executive Director
  • Academic Records Registrar
  • Integrated Enrollment Services Director
  • Financial Lead Student Admin Systems
  • Functional Analyst II
  • Enrollment Communications Associate Director
  • Student Enrollment Services Director

University Advancement

Mr. Joe Staley became UHCL's University Advancement vice president in July 2019, after previously serving as the vice chancellor for Resource Development at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He has spent nearly his entire career in fundraising for higher education.

In his new position, he works toward bringing bench strength and leadership to his team while helping to make UHCL a philanthropic priority. 

Direct report offices include: