This content is in service of our education mission and is sponsored by the University of Houston. It is not a product of our news team.

The History of Houston encompasses major events with people and organizations that have worked for positive change in our community and abroad. 100 Years of Houston recounts important milestones and shares the personal stories of our city’s trailblazers and their local connection. These stories are framed by the themes of Inclusion & Diversity, Innovation and Health.

They are brought to you by “a community of Leaders” who are inspired to share the rich local history and its connections to cornerstone institutions like the University of Houston.

This ongoing series is a unique interactive laboratory that will not only be a learning experience for our audiences, but also for students from the UH Center for Public History, as they explore how to mine historical collections for story telling on a multimedia platform in collaboration with Houston Public Media producers.

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Episode 10: Dr. Renu Khator (2007-2017)

Dr. Renu Khator is the first woman Chancellor of the University of Houston System and first Indian immigrant to lead a comprehensive research university in the U.S. She has led UH to become a top tier university and continues to guide UH towards many institutional accomplishments including Phi Beta Kappa chapter, a Billion dollar fundraising campaign, and the new Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine among others.

Images & footage courtesy of:

  • University of Houston
  • UH Library – Special Collections
  • University of South Florida
  • The Khator Family
  • Wikimedia – H. Grobe

100 Years of Houston Episode 10

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Episode 9: UH College of Medicine (2017-2027)

The first new medical school in the City of Houston in fifty years, the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine educates future doctors “to Improve the health and health care of Houston, Texas, and beyond.” It joins other institutes of medical excellence in a mission to help the underserved.

Images & footage courtesy of:

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Texas Medical Center
  • University of Houston – UH Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
  • UH College of Nursing
  • UH College of Optometry
  • UH Media Relations
  • UH Library – Special Collections

100 Years of Houston Episode 9

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Episode 8: Dr. Marguerite Ross Barnett (1987-1997)

Marguerite Ross Barnett was the first African American and first woman President of UH. Under her leadership, the University of Houston reached an even greater partnership with the community, worked towards bridging the gap between K-12 schools and a college education, and saw record breaking donations. Her short term spanned from 1990 to 1992.

Images & footage courtesy of:

  • University of Houston Library — Special Collections
  • Courtesy of KPRC
  • Courtesy of Antioch College
  • Courtesy of University of Missouri — St. Louis

100 Years of Houston Episode 8

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Episode 7: UH Beginnings (1927-1937)

The need for a college to serve working men and women marked the establishment of Houston Junior College in 1927. By 1934, HJC would become the University of Houston and move to its permanent home southeast of downtown by the end of the decade.

Images courtesy of:

  • University of Houston Library — Special Collections
  • Texas Southern University Library
  • Houston Independent School District — Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School

100 Years of Houston Episode 7

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Episode 6: Sue Garrison

The University of Houston’s first Women’s Athletic Director (1945 to 1979), Sue Garrison, was far ahead of her time in fighting to elevate women’s athletics programs. Even before Title IX, Garrison fostered nationally recognized Women’s teams. Under her leadership, three UH women volleyball players were on the team that brought the USA its first women’s volleyball medal.

100 Years of Houston Episode 6

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Episode 5: GI Bill®

The impact of World War II, Veterans and the GI Bill® of Rights on the new campus of the University of Houston was tremendous. The War caused a major decline in enrollment as students joined the armed services or worked in industry. The leadership of UH worked closely with the US military to support the war effort. Returning veterans created unprecedented growth and change in enrollment and facilities paving the way for UH to become a major university.

100 Years of Houston Episode 5

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Episode 4: Latina Leaders

On this episode of 100 Years of Houston, we learn how three Latina leaders have left their lasting mark on the University of Houston, the City of Houston, and its vibrant Hispanic Community: Business leader, Yolanda Black Navarro, Organizer, Maria Jimenez, and Political leader, Graciela Guzman Saenz.

100 Years of Houston Episode 4

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Episode 3: KUHT TV (1947-1957)

Through the visionary leadership of University of Houston President Walter Kemmerer, the University of Houston launched KUHT in May 25, 1953, to provide individuals with easier access to higher education. KUHT TV – Channel 8 was the first public television station to broadcast in the country. It established the foundation for “distance learning.” From its humble beginnings in the E. Cullen building to its modern, multimillion dollar facility on the University of Houston campus, KUHT continues to grow, expand and serve its Southeast Texas audience.

100 Years of Houston Episode 3

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Episode 2: Afro-Americans for Black Liberation

As the community and the University of Houston (UH) moved toward integration, the Afro-Americans for Black Liberation (AABL) student organization sought to address the persisting inequities facing Black students on campus.AABL and supporters marched on UH President Phillip Hoffman’s office with a list of 10 demands in February of 1969. This protest began the process that made the UH a more diverse, egalitarian place and established the African American Studies Program that is a degree-granting department today.

100 Years of Houston Episode 2

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Episode 1: Phyllis Randolph Frye, LGBTQ Pioneer (1977 to 1987)

Born Phillip in Texas in 1948, Phyllis Randolph Frye would face many decades of challenges from the conservative norms of the day to outwardly express her inner feminine identity. The fight to live her true life would be a fight for gay and transgender rights that would lead from an Engineering and Army career to Attorney-at-Law and Social Advocate. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of her wife Trish. It also highlights Judge Frye’s contributions to lasting legal principles that began with her time at UH Law Center in the 70s and 80s.

Learn more about Phyllis Randolph Frye, by visiting the original story in Houston History Magazine

100 Years of Houston Episode 1

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