U of H - top tier status (Houston, Dallas: 2009, house)

[XodoX]

Victory Declared in Efforts to Secure Pathway for UH to Attain Top-Tier Status

Do you think they can do it? I have some doubts about it...

[compSciGuy]

No, ... Not anytime in the foreseeable future. Too much instate fighting is destructive to the goals of creating more top institutes. UT-Dallas and Texas Tech are best positioned to move up, ... However, some of the other schools, well, ... Don't a lot of people refer to U of H by names like "Cougar High", "Houston High School", etc. Also, some of the other places, like UT-San Antonio, ... Didn't this school have a 100% acceptance rate not too long ago.

[XodoX]

I don't think many people refer to U of H as High School Why would they? U of H is not bad. They are just not top tier ( yet ).

[Mr. Football]

Agreed, Texas Tech and possibly UT-Dallas (assuming the UT system invests heavily in expanding and broadening this niche engineering/business focused school) are well-positioned to become the next Tier One universities from an Undergraduate standpoint. Both universities have strong Undergraduate programs already on or above the level of some out of state "Tier One" universities. They have some work to do before they get the national recognition, but could be there within 5-10 years.

UTSA, UTEP, and UNT were lucky to be included in this bill and are more long-term projects. May take a generation or two (if ever).

According to the latest NACUBO Endowment study, Texas Tech has the largest endowment (around $800 Million) of the public schools in Texas outside of UT & A&M. UT-Dallas has access to the PUF. UH has the next largest endowment (around $600 Million).

UH has a huge potential for Research and location plays a huge part. If they can partner up with area companies and strengthen their Undergraduate program, they'll be there soon enough. UH is probably the best positioned to capture Research dollars and will score well in this area.

Presently there are 3 public universities in Texas that house Phi Beta Kappa chapters. UT, A&M and Texas Tech.

This bill paves the way for more Tier One universities, it certainly benefits Tech and UH the most out of the gate funding-wise. It's what they do with it next that'll determine how fast they reach Tier One. Tech has a leg up with its Medical, Law, Nursing and Pharmacy schools. Big 12 membership ensures high visibility and lots of applications from kids in Texas, New Mexico. It also means it has a very active alumni group which is helpful when it comes to fundraising. If you had to pick one, I'd say Tech, but luckily this bill doesn't just focus on one school which is important for a state as big as Texas. We need 2 or 3 new Tier One's in the short-term as we're already behind the 8-ball.

[XodoX]

You all don't have many nice things to say about U of H. In my opinion they could do it in a few years. Tighter admissions criterias etc. won't take that long.

But ( to me ) a top tier school also means that it is in a nice area.

[LizzySWW]

U of H in the same category as A&M and UT? I think this will be hard to get into the noggins of many Texans.

[XodoX]

No, I think that IF they made it to the top the people would realize it quickly. Most just look at the rankings anyway. Once your name is on there...you're ok.

[dv1033]

Sounds like UH is further ahead in becoming tier 1 than the rest. I hope to see it happens become it will bring nothing but benefits to the school and Houston.

[Topaz]

I wouldn't bet against Dr. Khator. I'm rooting for UH...I work there.

[texas7]

I think they could do it - if they attract the right professors, researchers, etc. However, it would mean tightening admissions and they might find a lot of opposition in that because all local students would have left here are community colleges.