College of Public Service News
Turning Heartbreak Into Purpose: The Young Widowhood Project
When loss comes too soon, it doesn’t just take away a loved one. It shatters plans, routines, and the very sense of what life was supposed to look like. Young widows face the task of rebuilding while carrying a heavy emotional weight. In 2020, Dr....
Back to Basics With Dean José Ricardo-Osorio
Dean Ricardo-Osorio's vision for UHD is a human-centered hub of learning.
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...
162 Graduates Receive Their Master’s
UHD's Graduate Hooding Ceremony on May 10th celebrated 162 master's graduates from various programs, including the first Educational Leadership cohort.
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.