Notable News: Fall/Winter 2025

New Leaders at UH

The University welcomed five distinguished and accomplished administrators: four new college deans and a vice president.

Veteran academic leader and chemist Gregory B. Dudley joined the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics on Aug. 1 as professor and dean. He was previously the Eberly Family Distinguished Professor at West Virginia University’s Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry and also led the department as chair. His work — reflected in more than 100 publications, 200 presentations and multiple patents — has advanced the frontiers of organic synthesis.

Dudley says student success will be his first priority as dean: “I want every student in NSM to feel seen, supported, challenged and inspired. We have profound impacts on the lives of our students; we must ensure that 8 those impacts are positive, lasting and empowering.”

On June 1, award-winning scholar, teacher and academic leader Yarneccia D. Dyson stepped into the role of dean of the Graduate College of Social Work, where she will also hold the Maconda Brown O’Connor Endowed Dean’s Chair. Dyson comes to UH from North Carolina State University, where she served as executive director and head of the School of Social Work.

Dyson describes herself as an adaptable leader who embraces three distinct leadership styles: transformational leadership, collaborative leadership and servant leadership. “I believe in co-creating change with faculty, staff, students and community partners, centering transparency, mutual respect, psychological safety and accountability,” she says.

Xianjun Geng, a renowned scholar whose research focuses on pricing, supply chain management, business analytics, information security and behavioral economics, officially became the dean and Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Chair of the C. T. Bauer College of Business on May 1. Geng comes to UH from Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business, and he has served extensively in leadership roles in the academic community.

Geng says the decision to join UH and Bauer College came down to “impact, people, culture and fit. The University of Houston and Bauer College are on a remarkable rise. The synergy between the University and the city is the envy of many other universities.”

On Sept. 1, Christina H. Gola stepped into the role of dean of the University of Houston Libraries and the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair. Having served as interim dean since March 2024 and devoted a total of 16 years to UH Libraries, Gola is well-positioned to continue to advance and strengthen UH Libraries as she steps into a permanent leadership position.

Among Gola’s priorities as dean is continuing the Reimagined Library initiative, designed to evolve the University’s library landscape to meet the needs of a new generation of Cougars. “I’m honored and excited to lead UH Libraries into its next chapter,” Gola says. “This is a transformative moment for our University, and I’m proud to contribute to its ambitious goals.”

A member of the UH community since 2008, Russell T. Dunlavy assumed the role of vice chancellor/vice president for advancement and alumni on July 16. Previously, he served as the senior associate vice president and successfully led development efforts across the UH’s 16 academic colleges, two university units and centralized advancement teams, including Gift and Estate Planning, Corporate Relations, and Foundation Relations.

Dunlavy is also leading major gifts for UH’s Centennial Campaign, helping to shape the future of the university he’s called home for years. Reflecting on his longstanding connection to UH, he says, “From the moment I walked onto campus as a freshman and moved into Moody Towers, to now having the opportunity to help lead the efforts that connect our Cougar family, the University of Houston has been a part of my journey every step of the way.”