President's Profile
Dr. Richard Walker
Email: president@uhcl.edu
Richard Walker joined the University of Houston-Clear Lake as its sixth president in 2022, bringing over 43 years of leadership experience in higher education at both public and private institutions. Under his leadership, UHCL has experienced significant success. He led the implementation of UHCL's strategic plan, 'Impact 2025 and Beyond: Transform, Translate, Transcend,' which has been pivotal in transforming student lives through experiential learning and workforce readiness. Philanthropy and donor impact have grown, with nearly $2.5 million raised in fiscal year 2025 to support students, programs, and innovation. Research momentum also strengthened in 2024-2025, as faculty submitted 71 proposals and secured 27 awards totaling $7.7 million, with $3.3 million in research expenditures. Additionally, Walker's tenure has significantly increased UHCL's economic impact on the local area, contributing $1.1 billion, which equates to supporting 12,578 jobs in the university’s service region.
During Walker's tenure, UHCL launched new and expanded programs aligned with regional workforce needs, including the B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, the MBA in Commercialization of Space, and the M.S. in Nursing Education & Leadership, along with growth in public health offerings. He has expanded strategic partnerships providing paid high-impact opportunities with Boeing, KBR, V2X, and NASA, through internships, research, and career pathways.
Moreover, UHCL has made considerable strides in national and regional academic standings. In 2026, UHCL rose from #13 to #9 in the Top Public Universities in Texas ranking by Forbes and moved up in the NICHE rankings to the #11 Best Value in the State and #2 Best Value in the Houston Area spots.
Walker's impact extends beyond the campus as he actively contributes to regional and national development. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake and the Board of Directors for Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. He also serves as the Chair of Houston Guided Pathways System (GPS) and served on the Executive Committee of the Council of Public University Presidents & Chancellors (CPUPC).
Recognized as a 2016 Pillar of the Profession by NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education - Foundation, Walker's dedication to higher education is evident in his administrative achievements and active involvement in various professional and honor societies. In 2025, he was named a Silver Medal honoree by the North American Interfraternity Conference. The University of Miami has also honored his efforts with its Centennial Medal in recognition of his lasting impact on higher education.
His vision for UHCL focuses on elevating the university among the top public universities in Texas, enhancing the student experience, and anticipating educational needs to ensure UHCL's relevance and influence in an evolving workforce landscape.
Prior to his current role, Walker served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services for the University of Houston System and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at the University of Houston. He also spent 24 years in significant leadership roles at the University of Miami.
Walker earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Miami. He holds a Specialist in Education in Education Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Education in Education Administration and Supervision from Memphis State University, and a Bachelor of Science in History from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Higher Education Management Development Program.