Provost Announcement
May 21, 2018
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:
I am pleased to announce that after an extensive national search, Dr. Steven J. Berberich
has agreed to serve as the next Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He will assume the role effective July 2,
succeeding Dr. Glen A. Houston who has served in an interim role for the position
since 2016.
Dr. Berberich brings a wealth of experience in administrative leadership, research
and scholarship to UH-Clear Lake. Since 2013, he has served as Associate Provost for
Faculty and Staff Affairs, and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at
Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Throughout his career, Dr. Berberich has demonstrated his commitment to transforming
higher education to meet the needs of the 21st century. As associate provost at WSU,
he spearheaded several initiatives to enhance faculty engagement and support, including
the reorganization of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Prior to this role, Dr.
Berberich served as chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
at WSU where he leveraged relationships with community partners to establish the Center
for Genomics Research. He earned his bachelor of science in biology with honors and
a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from WSU. To learn more, review the provost webpage.
I am confident that Dr. Berberich will help us advance our progress as a four-year
institution in transforming the student experience to meet the needs of our community.
I would like to thank Faculty Senate President for 2017-18 and Associate Professor
of Biotechnology and Biology Brian Stephens, Associate Vice President of Enrollment
Management Yvette Bendeck, and members of the search committee for their outstanding
service during the search process. Finally, I am grateful to Provost Houston for his
leadership and contributions to UHCL during his interim role.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Berberich to UHCL.
Sincerely,
Ira K. Blake, Ph.D.
President