The University of Houston is hoping the voters approve a constitutional amendment that will put it in the position to become a Tier One research university. The amendment, called Proposition Four on the November 3rd ballot, will establish a fund to help qualifying universities become nationally recognized research institutions.

Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston, spoke before the East End Chamber of Commerce on the benefits of having more Tier One universities in the state. She pointed out that Texas has only three such universities (UT, Texas A&M, and Rice) while California has nine and New York seven. She believes that the University of Houston is well positioned to become a Tier One university.

Dr. Khator emphasized the economic impact that a Tier One research institution can have on the local economy. Millions of dollars in research funding

creates new jobs, additional wages, and increased tax revenues, she said. It also keeps high school graduates from leaving the state to attend Tier One universities elsewhere. She said that 80% of all UH graduates live in the Houston area and fuel the economy here.

“Universities are in the business of knowledge,” Dr. Khator explained, “and one thing research universities do is the creation of knowledge. This is now a global economy. America is best at innovation and creativity, and this is where those jobs of the future are going to be. We need a workforce in Houston that is competitive with other cities. If we bring research dollars here, we will compete. Houston is the energy capital of the world, and we need to stay the energy capital.”

Approval of Proposition Four would make $500 million in now-dormant funds available to UH and other emerging universities to improve teaching and research to a Tier One level. Pulling from the defunct education fund means that no new taxes will be needed. There are seven universities that are considered emerging research universities: UH, Texas Tech, UT-Arlington, UT-Dallas, UT-San Antonio and the University of North Texas. All will have to meet qualifications set by the legislature and the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Located on the southeast side of the city, the University of Houston has over 37,000 students from 138 foreign countries, an award winning faculty and nationally ranked programs. In the past it was primarily a commuter campus, but the number of on-campus students is expected to increase to over 9,000 in two years.

Past students may have experienced a more impersonal university than it is today, Dr. Khator said. The emphasis now is getting and keeping quality students and helping them achieve their goals. The UH has purchased 74 nearby acres of property from Schlumberger and plans to create a research park. There are also plans to connect two light rail routes to the campus.

“The University is completely ready for Tier One,” Dr. Khator says, “and everyone is pulling together. We are so grateful for the generosity and support of the community.”