List of Presidents of the University of Houston

The Ezekiel W. Cullen Building at the University of Houston has housed the President's office since 1950.
Renu Khator, the 13th President of the University of Houston

The office of the President of the University of Houston, currently held by Renu Khator, was created with the founding of the University of Houston (then known as Houston Junior College) in 1927 as the chief executive officer of the school. From 1927 until 1945 when UH separated from Houston Independent School District, the university's president also held the position of Superintendent of Schools of that school district. In 1956, the duties of president were divided into two positions. The position of Chancellor was created to fulfill past presidential duties regarding external affairs, while the president remained responsible for internal affairs of the university. This leadership structure lasted until 1961, when the university became a state-run, public institution. The duties of the chancellor and president became re-consolidated back into the sole position of president.

Since 1997, the President of the University of Houston has also held the position of Chancellor of the University of Houston System, thus making it a dual-office. Note: The defunct Chancellor of the University of Houston position should not be confused with the current position of Chancellor of the University of Houston System. While one position refers to a leader of the single flagship institution of the University of Houston System, the latter refers to the leader of the entire University of Houston System consisting of several other universities besides the flagship institution.

Number Name Tenure Life Notes & Events
1 Edison E. Oberholtzer 19271950 18801954 University of Houston was founded, permanent location was created, enrollment increased from under 500 to over 13,000
2 Walter William Kemmerer 19501953 19031993 Was interim president in 1950
Interim Charles Flemming McElhinney 19531954 19071978
3 A.D. Bruce 19541956 18941969 Served as Chancellor of the University of Houston when that position was created until 1961, helped to establish UH as a state school
4 Clanton Ware Williams 19561961 19041975 Served as President after A.D. Bruce became Chancellor
5 Philip Guthrie Hoffman 19611977 19152008 First chancellor of the University of Houston System
6 Barry Munitz 19771982 1941—
Interim Hugh Walker 1982–1983 1935–2005
7 Richard L. Van Horn 19831989 1932—
Interim George W. Magner 19891990 19272005 Ended the tradition of a live cougar Shasta mascot
8 Marguerite Ross Barnett 19901992 19421992 First female and first black president, Took a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer
9 James H. Pickering 19921995 1938— Was originally interim president after Barnett stepped down
10 Glenn Allan Goerke 19951997 1931–2015
11 Arthur K. Smith 19972003 1937— First person to hold UH Presidency and UHS Chancellor position simultaneously
12 Jay Gogue 20032007 1947—
Interim John M. Rudley 2007 1947— Was President of Texas Southern University from 2008-2016; currently President Emeritus at Texas Southern
13 Renu Khator 2008— 1955— First foreign-born president, allowed for re-establishment of live Shasta mascot
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