College of Public Service News
Gator Students Reflect on Citizenship in Winning Essays
Anaisa Paez Escobar and Filmon Teweldebrhan detail how struggles transform citizenship into an exercise of hope.
Leslie Sirrianni Matches Student Passion With Purpose Through Social Work Placements
As Director of Field Education for University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, Leslie Sirrianni plays a pivotal role in shaping student experiences beyond the classroom. A cornerstone of the BSW program is the...
Criminal Justice Alum Spotlight: Emily Martinez
For recent UHD grad Emily Martinez (’25, Criminal Justice), participating in public roles while a student at UHD mirrored the way she spent her personal time. A longtime community volunteer, Martinez also served in UHD’s student government and...
Brandon Jenkins: From First-Year Teacher to Emerging Educational Leader
Brandon Jenkins, a recent graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Master of Educational Leadership (MEDL) degree program is already making an impact in the classroom and beyond. As a first-year teacher, Jenkins enrolled in UHD’s...
Recent Social Work Grad Pays It Forward
At six years old, Amber Perez tragically lost her father and gained a perspective that would shape her entire future. The Social Work major was assigned to a social worker through her school, an experience that ignited her calling to help...
Shining a Light on Elder Abuse: UHD To Host Regional Conference on June 20
Every older adult deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. Yet for too many, these basic rights are threatened by a silent and devastating issue: elder abuse. Elder abuse is a largely hidden crisis that affects seniors from all walks of...
A Warm, Gator Welcome to New Leadership at the College of Public Service and Enrollment Management
Welcome to the newest members of our Gator Family! Long Huynh, DBA, and José Gabriel Ricardo-Osorio, Ed.D., join us on Monday, June 2, 2025—their first official day as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of the College of Public...
From Harlingen to Houston, Chief J. Noe Diaz Walked a Challenging Path
Discover the inspiring journey of UHD alum and Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, Jr., from a small-town boy to leading Texas' largest law enforcement agency.
Passion to Profession: UHD Alum Henry Gonzales' Impact on Juvenile Justice
From UHD student to Harris County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Henry Gonzales shares his journey. Now an adjunct professor, he inspires students with real-world experience and a passion for juvenile justice.
UHD vitalvoices Demystifies AI
In this informative session, Dr. Izadi and Hong will tackle misconceptions about AI, educate attendees on potential biases that may arise while using generative AI, and practical applications from visual arts to journalism.