UH Communicates Success
UH marketing and communications teams recognized with national and regional awards for excellence in their craft.
The University of Houston continues to earn national recognition for its innovative and influential work elevating the University’s reputation and brand.
Among their many accolades, the Division of University Marketing and Communications and the Division of Student Affairs were honored this year by the Public Relations Society of America Houston chapter for their public relations and storytelling. Additionally, UMC marketing and creative projects earned recognition for outstanding achievement from the American Marketing Association Houston and The Communicator Awards.
“These awards reflect the creativity, expertise and dedication of our talented teams,” said Lisa Holdeman, vice president for marketing and communications. “Through strategic storytelling and thoughtful engagement, our communications professionals consistently showcase the University of Houston’s excellence and value to audiences across Texas and beyond.”
Additionally, talented and strategic communications teams from UH’s colleges and functional divisions were recognized by organizations that specialize in collegiate and industry-specific communications. These teams earned an accumulated 12 gold, 22 silver and 3 bronze awards, as well as specialty awards and commendations.
“These well-deserved honors underscore UH’s commitment to excellence in communication and our mission to share stories that inspire pride and connect our community,” Holdeman added.
Public Relations Society of America Houston Excalibur Awards
- Gold, Most Effective Campaign on a Shoestring Budget ($5,000 or less): UH March Madness Social Media Campaign
The UH social media team executed a dynamic campaign during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, energizing national audiences while weaving in key institutional stories and achievements. - Bronze, Magazines: University of Houston Magazine
The magazine’s in-depth storytelling highlighted extraordinary Cougar achievements, from groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence and interstellar science to profiles of influential alumni and faculty. - Bronze, Annual Reports: Division of Student Affairs Annual Report
This publication celebrated staff achievements and highlighted progress toward enhancing the “Cougar Experience”.
UH Marketing and Communications team with their Excalibur award. Photo Courtesy: PRSA Houston
UH Marketing and Communications team with their Excalibur award. Photo Courtesy: PRSA Houston
UH Student Affairs Director of Marketing and Communications Germaine Washington holding up her teams Excalibur award. Photo Courtesy: PRSA Houston
UH Student Affairs Director of Marketing and Communications Germaine Washington holding up her teams Excalibur award. Photo Courtesy: PRSA Houston
American Marketing Association Houston Crystal Awards
UH earned four Crystal Awards, including:
- Social Media – Holiday Card: Featuring UH alumnus “H-Town Frankie” and his iconic light display alongside President Renu Khator and Suresh Khator.
- Video – Can’t Stop Houston: A high-impact institutional video viewed by more than 15 million people.
- NCAA Commercial – Superconductivity: A national spot spotlighting UH’s pioneering superconductivity research and academic innovation.
- Peer-to-Peer Direct Marketing Campaign – Where Ideas Spark Impact: A multi-phase campaign to strengthen UH’s reputation among peer universities and academic leaders nationwide
UH Marketing and Communications team with their Crystal award. Photo Courtesy: American Marketing Association Houston Crystal Awards.
UH Marketing and Communications team with their Crystal award. Photo Courtesy: American Marketing Association Houston Crystal Awards.
Close up image of someone holding a Crystal Award. UH Marketing and Communications team with their Crystal award. Photo Courtesy: American Marketing Association Houston Crystal Awards.
Close up image of someone holding a Crystal Award. UH Marketing and Communications team with their Crystal award. Photo Courtesy: American Marketing Association Houston Crystal Awards.
The Communicator Awards
The Communicator Awards recognize excellence, effectiveness and innovation across all areas of communication.
- Award of Distinction, Print Content – Educational Institution: UH Fall 2024 Magazine
The magazine was recognized for excellence and innovation in higher education storytelling and design, connecting readers with the University's global research leadership and vibrant campus culture.
Issue of the Fall/Winter 2024 UH Magazine.
Issue of the Fall/Winter 2024 UH Magazine.
Collegiate Advertising Awards
The Collegiate Advertising Awards is an elite national program created to honor today’s most talented marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in all forms of advertising, marketing and promotion specific to higher education products and services.
- Gold, DIMENSION Magazine: Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
- Gold, Annual Report: UH Law Center
- Gold, Magazine Advertising – Single: UH Law Center
- Gold, Email Marketing: UH Law Center
- Gold, Radio – Series: UH Law Center
- Gold, Special Events: UH Law Center
- Silver, Social Media Marketing – Series: Administration and Finance, IT Security
- Silver, Internal Publication – Single: Administration and Finance, IT Technology Services & Support
- Silver, Publication Internal – Single: UH Law Center
- Silver, Social Media Marketing – Series: UH Law Center
- Silver, Photo/Illustration – Single: UH Law Center
- Silver, Newsletter - Single: UH Law Center
- Bronze, Billboard Design – Single: Administration and Finance, IT Security
Issue of the Fall 2024 DIMENSION magazine.
Issue of the Fall 2024 DIMENSION magazine.
Examples of UIT's advertising that won at the Collegiate Advertising Awards.
Examples of UIT's advertising that won at the Collegiate Advertising Awards.
Content Marketing Awards
Presented by the Content Marketing Institute, these awards are the largest and longest-running international content marketing awards program recognizing the best in strategy, content creation, and visual and audio storytelling.
- Finalist, Best Overall Editorial: UH Magazine
- Finalist, Best Agency/Client Partnership: UH Magazine
Issue of the Spring/Summer 2025 UH Magazine.
Issue of the Spring/Summer 2025 UH Magazine.
Educational Advertising Awards
The Educational Advertising Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in digital marketing by colleges, universities and secondary schools from across the nation.
- Gold, UHLC Class Schedule: UH Law Center
- Gold, UHLC Digital Web Banners: UH Law Center
- Gold, CLE Black History Month: UH Law Center
- Gold, Digital Display ADs and Banners: UH Law Center
- Silver, CRAFT Lab Brochure: Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
- Silver, DIMENSION Magazine: Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
- Silver, UHLC FY 2022 ARP: UH Law Center
- Silver, LLM/GGP International Brochure/Trifold: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC End of Year Briefcase Magazine: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC Instagram Content: UH Law Center
- Silver, LinkedIn Content: UH Law Center
- Silver, Pre-Law Magazine AD: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC YouTube Intro to Video Series: UH Law Center
- Silver, 2023 Graduation/Commencement Wall: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC Alumni Page Refresh: UH Law Center
- Bronze, Annual Report 2025: Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
- Bronze, Facebook Content: UH Law Center
Example of UH Law Center's digital media.
Example of UH Law Center's digital media.
Education Digital Marketing Awards
The Education Digital Marketing Awards is an esteemed competition that recognizes excellence in educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media.
- Gold, UHLC 2023 ARP: UH Law Center
- Gold, UHLC Development Website: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC Dean Leonard M Baynes 10 Year Report: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC YouTube Short: Tyler Brewster: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC Bollywood Bling Email Campaign: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC LinkedIn Post: UH Law Center
- Silver, UHLC Briefcase: Constitutional Amendments Playlist: UH Law Center
Example of UH Law Center's digital marketing.
Example of UH Law Center's digital marketing.
International Parking & Mobility Institute
The annual International Parking & Mobility Institute Awards and Recognition programs celebrate individuals and organizations in the parking, transportation and mobility industry.
- Apex Award, Innovation in a Mobility, Transportation Parking Program-Innovation & Technology: UH Parking and Transportation Services
University of Houston QR code on signage at a parking lot requesting feedback.
University of Houston QR code on signage at a parking lot requesting feedback.
