What's your present enrollment, and what would you like it to be five years from now?
We're just under 13,000 now.  We're actually expecting a slight decline next year.  Then a steady increase to 15,000 in five years.  Our campus is the 13th largest in Texas, and the state's most ethnically diverse--both students and staff.  Students learn more when they work and learn with such a mix of the world's people. 
 
What significant facts about Houston might our readers not know?
Houston is the second largest port in America, the fourth largest in the world.  In population, Houston is presently the fourth largest U.S. city, ready to overtake Chicago soon for the number three spot. As a Fortune 500 headquarters city, Houston is second only to New York.  Houstonians have a pride in being Texans.  But most often they refer to themselves as Houstonians.  
 
What will happen to your university's direction as a result of some of those facts?
We are preparing tomorrow’s leaders, so we must continue to plan convenient schedules and online delivery methods that fit into modern lives.  We will expand our offerings to serve a broader spectrum of the population. We expect to add more dual-credit offerings for high school juniors and seniors.  We will serve more adults entering second and third careers.  And we will continue to add degree programs that meet workforce demands in Houston.
 
How does your downtown university fit within a four-campus system?
Each of the four is a separately accredited university, not a branch campus. Each is distinct with its own mission. Our criminal justice, insurance and risk management and fine arts offerings are strong and unique to us. We are also Houston's most affordable four-year school. We are smaller than the flagship, but that allows us to offer smaller classes and create a community where students and faculty know each other.
 
What did you learn as provost and executive vice president at New Mexico State University that is helping you at Houston?
We had extension campuses all over New Mexico. We also offered 30 online degrees. We pioneered dual-enrollment and dual-credit partnerships with dozens of New Mexico high schools, an initiative that was later extended statewide. We developed the Arrowhead Center to incubate and introduce business, agriculture and technology innovations to the marketplace.  The knowledge I soaked up in those activities is fresh in my mind as I work at similar endeavors here in Houston.
 
What did you learn as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank that helps you in your current position?
I had to prepare monthly reports on the New Mexico economy for the Board of the El Paso branch of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank.  I also heard the reports of Texas Board members and of the Fed itself.  I came to Houston with an excellent overview of the Texas economy as well as an appreciation of the economic differences among Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and El Paso.
 
What does the head of security at a Houston corporation need to know that you can teach him or her?
To my knowledge, our master’s degree in security management for executives is unique.  Companies worldwide send students to us.  We can teach them about preventing intellectual property theft, corporate espionage and counter-espionage, and forensic accounting.   International security issues are growing in importance and so is our waiting list for admission.  
 
Can you share a success anecdote from that offering?
Even before our students graduate, many of them have received promotions at Fortune 500 firms, or new jobs altogether.  Our graduates are connected to a strong professional network that they can tap for expertise and feedback. 
 
What does a schoolteacher in a large city need to know that you can teach him or her?
Urban education is unique.  Schools are crowded.  Families regularly face crises and at-risk children often drop out.  These students have to deal with economic issues, gangs, even drive-by shootings.  Teachers have to be well prepared to be successful in such settings.  We offer bilingual certification. We teach future teachers to collaborate and to establish high expectations for all students.  We teach them how to derive joy and a sense of success in this setting.  It’s no surprise that they look for openings and are hired in urban districts.
 
Can you share a success anecdote from that offering?
School district officials tell us that our graduates stay in the profession longer and are more successful than others.  
 
What benefit is accruing to the University as a result of your recent award from Hispanic Business?
It's an honor to have been named among the one hundred most influential Hispanic leaders in the U.S.  The award offers me an opportunity to tell the story of the University of Houston-Downtown to a broad audience.  I am the first in my family to have gone to college, so I took a path similar to the one many UHD students travel.  I want to help all of our students succeed.