Dr. Richard Walker named interim president of UH-Clear Lake

DSAES News
July 21, 2022

University of Houston President Renu Khator announced on Thursday that Dr. Richard Walker, vice president and vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment services at the UH System and at UH, will serve as interim president at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Dr. Daniel Maxwell, associate vice president and vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment services, will be stepping in as interim vice president and vice chancellor.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community of the University of Houston – Clear Lake as the interim president,” Walker said. “I am humbled by the confidence Chancellor Renu Khator has placed in me. The University of Houston – Clear Lake is a wonderful institution of higher education with a rich history of accomplishments, and I look forward to being part of advancing the university’s strategy plan ‘Impact 2025 and Beyond.’”

Walker is taking over for current UH-Clear Lake President Ira K. Blake, who has accepted an offer to serve as special assistant to the chancellor.

Walker has more than 39 years of experience in higher education at both public and private institutions, and he has been at UH and the UH System for more than 10 years. He has had an award-winning career, winning numerous honors and awards for his service to higher education. He has also served on the boards of several professional associations and higher education organizations.

Maxwell said he is equally humbled.

“I am honored with this amazing opportunity to lead the division alongside our talented, caring, and committed staff and student leaders,” he said. “Our collective work continues to positively impact student success.”

Maxwell has served in higher education for more than 30 years, and he joined UH in January 2012. As associate vice president, he oversaw a number of departments in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, including Student Housing and Residential Life, University Career Services, and the Urban Experience Program, as well as managing the Division’s sites at UH at Sugar Land and UH at Katy.

Please read President Khator’s full announcement as we congratulate Drs. Walker and Maxwell.