Volunteers Make the University of Houston Unstoppable

In April, the University of Houston proudly celebrated the outstanding work of its volunteer leaders in honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Through their ambassadorship, mentorship and service, our volunteer leaders help shape the University’s next chapter. They build pride, expand impact and inspire support for the Centennial Campaign. Their generosity and hard work take many different forms, and this monthlong celebration provided an opportunity to recognize the importance of each and every volunteer’s contribution.

The University’s volunteer network includes more than 1,600 leaders who donate their time and expertise across 115 boards and committees. These include:

the Board of Regents, which governs the University of Houston System

University-wide leadership boards

boards at the college or school level that advance academic programs

boards for the foundations that support UH, such as the UH Alumni Association Foundation

alumni networks and associations

Volunteers span a wide range, from seasoned professionals with decades of experience to recent graduates eager to stay engaged. These leaders serve as champions for UH in communities across 33 states, and the majority have also made philanthropic gifts to the University.

Volunteer Leaders Leading the Way

UH’s three University-wide volunteer leadership boards are National Development Council, Board of Visitors and Energy Advisory Board. Each has a unique purpose, but all are composed of strategic thinkers and influential leaders who leverage their expertise and connections to support University-wide initiatives.

The National Development Council is a presidentially appointed leadership volunteer board focused on the University's fundraising priorities and overall case for investment. Members serve as knowledgeable ambassadors, able to articulate the case for support and facilitate connections between significant prospects and University leadership. The council members’ work has been especially vital since the launch of the Centennial Campaign.

“We have been continually impressed by the University’s visionary leadership, commitment to excellence and dynamic and engaged student body. As the University approaches its Centennial, we are particularly excited to serve as champions of the Can't Stop Houston campaign,” explains council member Bill Jackson (J.D. ’92) and his wife Shawn Jackson, Board of Visitors member. “This important initiative will fuel the University’s next century of growth and innovation, making a meaningful difference here in Houston and beyond.”

Bill Jackson (J.D. ’92) and his wife Shawn Jackson touring the UHLC building

In addition to the council volunteers, President Renu Khator appoints ambassadors to the Board of Visitors whose professional experience spans a broad array of industries in Houston, allowing them to provide valuable insight, feedback and support to University leadership.

Dave Smalley (’79), founder and CEO of Spectrum, has served on the Board of Visitors for the last two years, offering his passion for elevating the UH brand to the marketing task force.

“I was asked to join the Board of Visitors after sharing my opinions on how I thought we could improve various components of the University,” Smalley says. “I try to be the person that doesn’t just share my opinion, but says, ‘And here is what I’m going to do about it. This is how I’m going to help.’”

Smalley agreed to take on a volunteer leadership position because he feels grateful for the opportunity UH gave him.

Dave Smalley ('79) and fellow members of the Board of Visitors Marketing Task Force meet with University Marketing and Communications leaders and students with the Stephen Stagner Sales Excellence Institute in April.

“I don’t see being on the Board of Visitors as giving back. I see it as making an investment in the future of the University,” explains Smalley. “They gave me a seat at the table, so now I invest to ensure others can have the same seat at the table.”

Dave Smalley (’79)

Smalley believes that most UH graduates can relate to this feeling of indebtedness. “The University gives the underdog the opportunity. There’s a tremendous number of very successful, thoughtful, kind people who graduated from there, and they are doing great things, not only in business, but in life, still with that underdog chip on their shoulder.”

Inspired by his involvement, Smalley’s wife, Melanie Smalley, began volunteering at the University, making the Smalleys one of 20 couples UH is proud to have on volunteer boards. Melanie serves on the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership Dean’s Advisory Board, partnering closely with Dean Dennis Reynolds to provide industry expertise and advance the college’s key priorities. In recognition of her service, Melanie received an honorary alumna degree.

College and Foundation Volunteers Strengthen Academic Excellence

Many UH volunteers deepen their impact by serving in multiple capacities across the University. 28.7% of volunteers have held a board position on two or more boards, showing an impressive commitment to UH. Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99), a partner at Bracewell, is one of them. He served on the UH Alumni Association Foundation Board as well as the Board of Visitors. He currently serves as a member of the UH Law Alumni Association Board, and soon he begins his tenure as the president of the UH Law Foundation Board.

“I received my undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Houston. Because the University gave me the foundation I needed to launch a career I’m proud of, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the place that gave me so much. The roles I’ve had have been a meaningful way for me to pay it forward. Now, as the incoming president of the UH Law Foundation, I look forward to contributing to the University’s promising future.”

A fellow UHLC alumnus, Alex B. Roberts (’02, J.D. ’06), a partner at Beck Redden LLP, has served in volunteer leadership positions at the University of Houston Law Center since 2017. Like many of the 61.3% of UH volunteers who identify as alumni, he credits his alma mater's influence on his life as his reason for getting involved.

“The University of Houston has been a constant in my life, from earning my bachelor’s degree in 2002 to graduating from the Law Center in 2006. I’m grateful for the education, mentorship and lifelong connections I gained along the way.”

He served as the president of the UH Law Alumni Association and now is the director of the UH Law Foundation Board. He feels these leadership roles “gave me a chance to support future generations of Coogs and help strengthen the UH Law community that gave me so much,” finishing with “Go Coogs!”

Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99)

Alex Roberts (’02, J.D. ’06)

Alumni and Community Leaders Build Lifelong Connections

“These community leaders who have joined our Founders Council provide invaluable advice drawn from their wealth of experience.”
Dean Jonathan McCullers

Not all volunteer leaders are inspired by an alumni connection to the University. In fact, 38.7% of UH volunteers are non-alumni. Supporters from the greater Houston area and across Texas — 93% of our volunteer base — understand that when UH thrives, so does the entire city.

Since its inception in 2019, the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine has exemplified how the University is investing in the health of Houston and Texas. The Fertitta Family College of Medicine has been groundbreaking in its mission, its educational approach and its commitment to community health. The members on its Founders Council played an essential role in building the strong foundation. In addition to cumulatively donating over $1 million to the college, they served as treasured advisers to the administration. Soon, the Founders Council will expand to include additional strategic advisers who can help advance the college’s mission.

Dean Jonathan McCullers expresses gratitude for their contributions.

"These community leaders who have joined our Founders Council provide invaluable advice drawn from their wealth of experience."

Dean Jonathan McCullers speaking to the Board of Visitors at their spring meeting

Volunteers are the backbone of the UH alumni experience. There are 43 alumni associations, each with a team of UH graduates who dedicate their free time to fostering alumni connections by organizing fundraisers, networking events, watch parties and tailgates.

Taylor Brione Ballard (’14) is one of these volunteers, serving on both the UHAAF Black Alumni Network and the UHAAF Hilton College Alumni Association Board. As an involved undergraduate who served as vice chair of the Homecoming Board and later worked as a professional event manager, she knew that working with alumni was a natural fit for her interests and skills.

Her most memorable volunteering experience was planning the 2018 UHAAF Black Alumni Network Brunch. The special guests were the first Black students to graduate from the University of Houston. For some of these alumni, it was the first time they’d been back to campus in years.

“It was an honor to bring them back for the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class of Black UH students. Sometimes, especially when you’re planning events, you think it’s just a lunch or just a fundraiser, but then with this brunch, we were able to hear the impactful stories about these alumni’s experiences at UH. It was eye-opening.”

She cites this experience as one of the reasons she remains engaged year after year. In 2021, her generosity was recognized when Hilton College named her the Outstanding Young Alumna of the Year.

Taylor Brione Ballard (’14)

“It’s never too late. That’s the beauty of volunteering,” Ballard emphasizes, hoping to encourage more alumni to join an alumni association. “You can come the day after you graduate, or you can come back 10 years later. Maybe you took some time away from UH because you were having a family, building your career and you were busy. Now you have the time and resources to give back. There is always something for you to do, and there’s always a place for you to plug in.”

Taylor Brione Ballard (’14)

Elizabeth Edge (’11)’s journey to becoming president of the Bay Area Alumni Network reflects this truth. In 2015, Edge began casually attending UH alumni events.

“Because I didn’t have a traditional university experience, this was my way to get that experience,” she explains.

However, her involvement didn't deepen until 2023, when she had more time on her hands and was seeking a meaningful way to fill it. While she enjoyed UH alumni events, she saw a gap in the community. Most events happened downtown, but she knew there were many alumni like her who lived in the suburbs south of Houston. She decided to found a new group closer to home; thus, the UHAAF Bay Area Alumni Network was born.

The network gained traction quickly.

“During March Madness in 2024, we had some of the biggest watch parties in the entire Houston area,” Edge shares proudly.

Elizabeth Edge (’11)

They partnered with local businesses to host engaging events for Bay Area alumni. They even worked with a local brewery, Galveston Bay Brewing, to develop a specialty UH-inspired beer called “Whose Beer? Coogs’ Beer!”

Edge reflects on what she has learned about encouraging involvement and growing a volunteer group like an alumni network.

“The people who came to that very first watch party come to all our watch parties still. They helped set the culture,” Edge says. “We started focusing on sports. Now we’re branching out into other areas, like community service, working with Cougar Cupboard and shelters in our area. We’re looking to generate money to create an endowment, especially for students out in the Clear Lake area.”

She advises engaging people’s love for UH when trying to recruit them.

“I ask people, ‘What did you study at UH? What’s your favorite memory at UH?’ Then, I think, how can we recreate that moment for alumni? It’s catering to what people loved about UH and trying to bring that back for them.”

For her, it all comes down to legacy.

“It’s really important to preserve our history, and I think the best way is by breeding a culture and community that honors it and adds to it.”

Corporate Partners Celebrate the Spirit of Service

Celebrations for Volunteer Appreciation Month extended beyond just the individuals who serve. Two corporate sponsors — Katz Coffee and Giant Texas Distillers — also stepped in to show their gratitude by providing special offers for UH volunteers.

“Volunteer Appreciation Month is a time to celebrate the heart and soul of selflessness — those who give their time and energy, not for recognition but because they believe in making a difference,” says Doug Yeakle, vice president of sales at Giant Texas Distillers, an alumni-owned company led by Carlos de Aldecoa (’97). “It’s a reminder of the quiet power of kindness and the strength of the Cougar community. Go Coogs!”

Katz Coffee’s Avi Katz adds: “Volunteering represents a selfless action directed at others. Always be guilty of doing for others and be a volunteer.” Katz Coffee not only celebrates volunteers but also supports student scholarships as a Team UHAA partner.

The University of Houston extends heartfelt thanks to all who dedicate their time and talents in support of its mission. Whether by offering strategic counsel, mentoring students, planning unforgettable events or simply showing up to lend a hand, UH volunteers are driving meaningful change. Their passion, commitment and Cougar pride help shape the University’s future and deepen its impact across the city and beyond. To all who serve — you are making a difference. Go Coogs!