Retrospective

30 Years of UH at Sugar Land

The University of Houston at Sugar Land, a UH instructional site in Fort Bend County and home to more than 20 graduate and undergraduate academic programs, turns 30 this year. Let’s look back at the site’s incredible growth over the past three decades.

A black & white photograph of CentraPlex sign

1994

The University of Houston-Victoria begins offering for-credit classes in leased facilities in Sugar Land. Although enrollment tops just 200 students, it is apparent the growing area can take advantage of a nearby college campus.

1995

William P. Hobby, former lieutenant governor and UH System chancellor, establishes a teaching center in Sugar Land where students can take classes offered by the four UH System institutions. Classes are held at Clements High School and the Wharton County Junior College Centraplex for Higher Education. Enrollment nears 500 students.

A black & white photo of William P. Hobby
A black & white photograph of a UH facility

1996–98

Enrollment doubles within a year, thanks to a partnership with Wharton County Junior College and Houston Community College. The Texas Department of Transportation transfers 248 acres of land near the Brazos River to the UH System for the construction of a permanent facility. The UH System Board of Regents approves $11 million for the building, and the City of Sugar Land pledges $3.5 million.

2002

Once called the UH System at Fort Bend, the site officially becomes the UH System at Sugar Land — just in time for the completion of the Albert & Mamie George Building. Nearly 2,000 students are enrolled by this time.

A black & white photograph of Brazos Hall construction

2006–08

The City of Sugar Land and the UH System at Sugar Land sign a long-term land lease providing $3.5 million to construct Brazos Hall. Later in 2006, the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners approves a Bachelor of Science in nursing to be offered at the UH System at Sugar Land. In 2008, Richard Phillips becomes the first associate vice chancellor of UH System at Sugar Land.

A black & white photograph of two female students

2012–16

The instructional site is officially renamed UH at Sugar Land to reflect its connection to the main campus’ faculty, research and programs. Nearly 4,500 students are enrolled by 2012. During the next three years, more programs are added. In 2016, the UH System Board of Regents approves a master plan for UH at Sugar Land, which includes the 150,000-square-foot Sugar Land Academic Building for the technology, business, education and health programs.

A black & white photograph of a new building construction sign

2019

The UH College of Technology building, home to new programs and innovative, state-of-the-art laboratory spaces, opens for the fall 2019 semester.

2023

UH at Sugar Land breaks ground on the second Sugar Land Academic Building, which will be home to programs for the Cullen College of Engineering-Technology Division. The grand opening is planned for 2025.

A black & white photograph of the College of Engineering-Technology building

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