List of presidents 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 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.
NumberNameTenureLifeNotes & Events
1Edison E. Oberholtzer1927-19501880-1954University of Houston was founded, permanent location was created, enrollment increased from under 500 to over 13,000
2Walter William Kemmerer1950-19531903-1993Was interim president in 1950
InterimCharles Flemming McElhinney1953-19541907-1978
3A.D. Bruce1954-19561894-1969Served as Chancellor of the University of Houston when that position was created until 1961, helped to establish UH as a state school
4Clanton Ware Williams1956-19611904-1975Served as President after A.D. Bruce became Chancellor
5Philip Guthrie Hoffman1961-19771915-2008First chancellor of the University of Houston System
6Barry Munitz1977-19821941—
InterimHugh Walker1982–19831935–2005-
7Richard L. Van Horn1983-19891932—
InterimGeorge W. Magner1989-19901927-2005Ended the tradition of a live cougar Shasta mascot
8Marguerite Ross Barnett1990-19921942-1992First female and first black president, Took a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer
9James H. Pickering1992-19951938—Was originally interim president after Barnett stepped down
10Glenn Allan Goerke1995-19971931–2015
11Arthur K. Smith1997-20031937—First person to hold UH Presidency and UHS Chancellor position simultaneously
12Jay Gogue2003-20071947—
InterimJohn M. Rudley20071947—Was President of Texas Southern University from 2008-2016; currently President Emeritus at Texas Southern
13Renu Khator2008—1955—First foreign-born president, allowed for re-establishment of live Shasta mascot