Thomas M. Stauffer
Dr. Thomas M. Stauffer, a former professor of public policy at UHCL, served as university president from 1982-1991. A noted expert on American foreign policy, international politics, global economics, and science and technology policy, he authored or edited more than 100 books, articles and other publications on higher education, economics and foreign policy.
Stauffer held a doctorate of philosophy and master of arts from the University of Denver's Graduate School of International Studies, which named him its 1989 Distinguished Alumnus. He was frequently called upon by universities and governments to consult on education and economic problems. In 1989, he lectured in Africa for the U.S. Department of State and visited Japan and Finland on other assignments.
An active member of professional and community organizations, Stauffer served in a myriad of local, state and national leadership positions:
- Challenger Center for Space Science Education, national chairman of the board
- Texas Council on Science and Technology, former vice chair
- Texas Senate Space Science Industry Commission, former member
- Texas Superconducting Super Collider Authority, member
- Committee on Advanced Technology for Texas Economic Development, chair
- Southeast Texas Higher Education Council, chair
- American Leadership Forum, senior fellow
- Houston World Trade Association, former vice president
- Texas Information Innovation Network System, executive committee member
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, advisory board member
- Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation, executive committee member
- Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, board member
- Houston Chamber of Commerce, former steering committee member
- United Way, volunteer
- St. John Hospital Board, chair
- Houston Committee on Foreign Relations, member
- Galveston Bay Foundation, board member
Stauffer came to UH-Clear Lake after 10 years in Washington, D.C. where he was a vice-president for the American Council on Education, the nation's premier association of universities. He also served as administrative head of the Business-Higher Education Forum, ACE Fellows Program in Academic Administration and National Commission on Higher Education Issues.
The father of three children, Stauffer enjoyed promoting physical fitness programs and was an avid runner, skier and mountain climber. He was a member of the U.S. Olympic Festival Corporate Racing Team and participated regularly in the Houston-Tenneco Marathon as well as university sponsored events.