Glenn A. Goerke
Glenn Allen Goerke graduated from Eastern Michigan University with his bachelor's and master's degrees and was recognized as a university-distinguished alumnus. He earned his Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education at Michigan State University. Dr. Goerke was President Emeritus of the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Victoria, the only individual to hold this distinction. He came to the University of Houston System after a diverse career of academic and administrative leadership roles in Michigan, FL. Rhode Island and Indiana.
He had the unique experience of being directly involved in the creation and development of a new state university, Florida International University in Miami, FL. Goerke served in a variety of administrative positions, including Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of FIU's North Campus. After leaving Florida, Dr. Goerke served as Dean, Division of Extension Services and Summer Session at the University of Rhode Island, where he also launched URl's Providence campus. From there, he became Chancellor of Indiana University East, where he worked on student recruitment, forging community-based partnerships, and promoting strong academic programs.
Goerke came to the University of Houston System in 1981 as president of the UH-Victoria campus, where he increased enrollments and procured the largest private donation to UH-V for scholarships. He was awarded the Victoria Rotary Club's Citizen of the Year. He was actively engaged with the Texas Legislature and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as innovative sources of funds were identified for critical construction and renovation projects across the State of Texas. In 1989 he served as interim chancellor for the UH System's four campuses and spurred development of the System's inaugural six-year academic plan. Concurrently, he served as the System's vice chancellor for special projects, while continuing to serve as president at UH-Victoria.
In 1991, Dr. Goerke assumed the presidency at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. While there, he led a number of award-winning academic and administrative initiatives. Texas Comptroller John Sharp presented him with the "Breaking the Mold" award for groundbreaking innovations in public higher education. In addition, under his leadership, UHCL received IBM's Total Quality Management award and international recognition for being one of eight universities engaged in successful management transformation programs, saving taxpayer's dollars while increasing administrative effectiveness and academic excellence.
As the University of Houston's 10th president. From 1995-1997, Dr. Goerke launched a massive facilities project to address over 1600 campus renovation and upgrading needs. His leadership resulted in enrollment growth, increased funding, record levels of donations, and a complete revamping of administrative processes in enrollment management, financial affairs, research and athletics accounting, external affairs and communications, and computer information systems. He was most proud of UH's burgeoning research productivity, enhanced student services, expanded international presence and major community and business partnerships.
His efforts were recognized by honorary doctorates at UH and at the Universidad Technologica de Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Among his many awards, he received the 'Outstanding Leadership and Dedicated Service Award' from the American Association of University Administrators. NASA recognized Dr. Goerke with its 'Distinguished Public Service Medal,' for his active support of the manned space program, including a partnership that resulted in the creation of the Texas Aerospace Scholars Program and the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. The National Management Association's regional chapter presented him with the 'Manager of the Year Award.'
Dedicated to international partnerships, Dr. Goerke served for decades on the executive committee of the International Association of University Presidents, where his leadership influenced the development of global collaborations, university-business partnerships, and multinational research initiatives. He served as IAUP Vice-President from 1996-1999.
As a speaker and consultant, he had advanced higher education in over two dozen countries as well as at the national level. He served as President of the National University Extension Association, and he was active in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Association of University Administrators. In Texas, he served on the board of directors of Space Center Houston, many non-profit organizations, corporations, and economic development groups.Dr. Goerke played major leadership roles in every community where he lived. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Richmond, IN and Victoria, TX and as President of the Miami-Bogota Sister City Alliance.
Glenn served in the US Navy Reserves and founded a veterans' support group through the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, "BAHEP Cares!” in which returning veterans are mentored by senior executives to assist with life transitions and job placement.