We welcome student voices in the University of Houston College of Education! Our Dean’s Student Advisory Council, made up of undergraduate and graduate students across departments, collaborates with College leadership to improve the student experience for all. We strive to create an inclusive environment that advances student success and a sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

• Provide the COE Dean’s Office with insights into the student experience
• Act as a liaison between the COE Dean’s Office and the student body
• Serve as a sounding board for concerns and solutions
• Represent COE at various networking and professional events

Application Process

• The online application to serve on the council typically opens in September.
• Applicants should have a willingness to support the College’s goal of creating “a high-quality educational experience that empowers students to lead.”
• Appointments are for the academic year. Council members may apply to serve again.
• We strive to have a minimum of one undergraduate and one graduate representative from each academic department in the College.
• Questions? Email coelearn@uh.edu.

Leadership

Cathy Horn, Ph.D.
Dean & Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair

Cathy Horn, a professor of higher education leadership and policy studies, has served as dean of the UH College of Education since June 1, 2023. She joined the College faculty in 2005 and previously served as chair of the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. She is an accomplished scholar who specializes in educational policy and leads three research centers.

Tiffany J. Davis, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student Belonging and Success

Tiffany Davis, a clinical professor of higher education leadership and policy studies, serves as an associate dean overseeing four areas: undergraduate student success, graduate student success, certification, and assessment and effectiveness. Davis leads the team to support a holistic, integrated, evidence-based model to promote success for all students.

Student Members, 2024-25

Kamrie Abbs 

Program: B.S. in health
What drew me to UH: I was drawn to UH because of its diverse and inclusive environment, strong academic, programs and affordability. UH offers excellent opportunities for internships and networking. I’m also excited about the Tier One research opportunities and the campus resources available to students.
My career interests: I’m drawn to nursing because it offers the chance to make a positive difference in people’s lives. 
Advice to students: Stay open to learning and growing, both academically and personally. Take advantage of the resources and support systems available, as they can make a big difference in your success.
Contact: kabbs@cougarnet.uh.edu

Destiny Ando

Program: B.S. in human development and family sciences
What drew me to UH: I chose UH because it was far enough from my hometown to find who I truly was and what I wanted to do but close enough to my hometown that I could drive for the weekend to spend time with family and hometown friends.
My career interests: I gained experience as a Montessori school assistant teacher and watched students who had learning challenges and behaviors being ignored by their administrators and their parents. I knew that my advocacy went further than within the classroom, so it drove me to pursue a career in special populations administration.
Advice to students: Be involved in school. Many people reflect on their time in college and regret not being involved. Join that squirrel club! Join an organization that is affiliated with your major! There are so many opportunities that grant connection and experiences.
Contact: dsando@cougarnet.uh.edu

Matthew Bordelon

Program: B.S. in teaching and learning
What drew me to UH: I was drawn to UH for the diverse student body, and the emphasis on innovation and research create an inspiring environment. The university’s strategic location in a dynamic city offers countless opportunities for internships and networking.
My career interests: I plan to teach for a few years and then pursue a master’s in educational technology and curriculum design. I am inspired by the potential of technology to engage students and personalize learning, making education more accessible and effective.
Advice to students: Stay organized and manage your time effectively.  Embrace feedback from instructors and classmates, as it’s essential for growth. Lastly, immerse yourself in diverse educational perspectives and utilize university resources to support your journey. Enjoy the process!
Contact: mgbordel@cougarnet.uh.edu

Aketra Bowens

Program: Ph.D. in higher education leadership and policy studies
What drew me to UH: What drew me was the supportive staff, recognized contributions and research in numerous fields of study, and community engagement.
My career interests: My career interest is to be in higher education leadership or an administrative position, assisting in policy, development and research; promoting academic excellence; and fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. 
Advice to students: Communicate with your professors often, take the initiative to be active on campus and learn ways to prioritize your mental health.
Contact: acbowens@cougarnet.uh.edu

Daphne Canales

Program: B.S. in health
What drew me to UH: I grew up in Houston, so it was close and an affordable option for me to go to college.
My career interests: I hope to apply to physician assistant school.
Advice to students: It might sound cheesy but believe in yourself and always make time for yourself!
Contact: dcanale5@cougarnet.uh.edu

Reyhan Ince

Program: B.S. in health
What drew me to UH: I was drawn to UH because of its strong academic programs and diverse student body. The campus culture fosters both innovation and inclusivity, which aligns with my personal and professional goals.
My career interests: My career interests lie in the dental field, with a focus on outreach and research. I am particularly inspired by the potential to combine hands-on patient care with scientific inquiry, helping to improve public health.
Advice to students: Remain open-minded. University life presents various opportunities and challenges, and being flexible and open to new experiences can help you grow both academically and personally.
Contact: rince@cougarnet.uh.edu

Amna Khan

Program: M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction — learning, design and technology
What drew me to UH: I absolutely loved my business undergrad experience from at UH. My time at Bauer really helped me build my professional confidence while creating long lasting memories with my peers! Continuing to further my educational career at UH was the best next step to accomplishing my dreams.
My career interests: One day, I hope to build an early childhood school where a learn-to-play environment is established to excite and motivate kids in their own education.
Advice to students: Remember to always be kind and love yourself. Whatever you are passionate about and value in life, continue to focus on it to help prepare you for the world.
Contact: abkhan@cougarnet.uh.edu

Medha Kukkalli

Program: B.S. in human development and family sciences — Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
What drew me to UH: The main draw was its ethnic, racial and socioeconomic diversity. I also was drawn to UH because of its amazing financial aid support and programs that show that the university cares about its students.
My career interests: I know that I want to help others, whether through counseling, working in the nonprofit sector, case management or even social work. I think having a degree in human development and family sciences gives me a more nuanced background that can be extremely helpful to me in a field dedicated to helping people.
Advice to students: Prioritize self-care and personal well-being just as much as academic responsibilities. Something I learned during my first semester at UH was that overbooking myself and trying to be involved in as much as I could did not allow for much free time. This means saying no to things sometimes.
Contact: mkukkall@cougarnet.uh.edu

Jemine Mejire

Program: M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction — learning, design and technology
What drew me to UH: I was intrigued that it was a Tier One research public university. Also, besides wanting high quality education, UH is a melting pot for people from very diverse parts of the world.
My career interests: I look forward to becoming an instructional designer in the school environment. I am also interested in curating learning for young people that is based on African history and culture. 
Advice to students: The most successful person in any room started from a beginning. Take the first step and never stop moving.
Contact: jimejire@cougarnet.uh.edu

Kamkam Ogakwu

Program: B.S. in public health
What drew me to UH: Besides a growing academic reputation and proximity to home, I appreciate the diversity of the student body, the plethora of resources available, and the networking opportunities, which I feel provide the support I need to succeed in life.
My career interests: I intend to use my undergraduate degree to further my education into dental school. I am inspired by the opportunity to impact patients’ lives through oral health and to contribute to advancements in dental care.
Advice to students: Make use of resources! Take advantage of academic advising, career fairs, organizations and tutoring to help you succeed in and out of college.
Contact: okogakwu@cougarnet.uh.edu

Ruth Posada

Program: Ed.D. professional leadership — health science education
What drew me to UH: UH is known for being a top University and I was drawn to the technology project management program as an undergraduate.
My career interests: My research interests revolve around empowering patients to understand the importance of health care advocacy. After facing a challenging health battle that lasted 3.5 years, I became my own inspiration for this mission. Additionally, I aspire to develop a leadership curriculum, focusing on training future leaders to understand the intricate relationship between technology and health care.
Advice to students: It’s crucial to have a support system, whether it’s friends, family, or resources on campus like counseling services or academic advisors. Maintaining your health is equally important, so take time to manage your stress by engaging in activities you enjoy, eating well and getting enough sleep.
Contact: rposada2@cougarnet.uh.edu

Meagan Tran

Program: B.S. in public health
What drew me to UH: As an aspiring health care worker, the school’s proximity to the Texas Medical Center, its status as a Tier One research institution, and vast resources impacted my decision to commit to UH. An added bonus is the Division 1 athletics!
My career interests: Following my undergraduate career, I intend to matriculate into Baylor College of Medicine through the Houston Premedical Academy. I am passionate about women’s issues and community health, and a goal of mine is to work in medical education.
Advice to students: Select a university/program where you can grow. Every institution will have resources available, and it truly depends on how much work you are willing to put in. A quote that really resonated with me was, “Don’t let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning." Be brave, and don’t be afraid to try something new!
Contact: mttran60@cougarnet.uh.edu

Paul Turcotte

Program: Ph.D. in measurement, quantitative methods and learning sciences
What drew me to UH: The faculty and diversity of culture
My career interests: I aspire to become a better educational researcher and a statistics professor.
Advice to students: Cultivate your growth mindset and focus on moving forward.
Contact: paturcot@cougarnet.uh.edu

Kassandra Zapata

Program: B.S. in teaching and learning
What drew me to UH: Because of its diversity, I knew I would feel at home and find community on campus. The teaching program was the perfect fit for me, ensuring my readiness to enter the field. The students and staff are a hidden treasure.
My career interests: My interests come from believing in collective action to achieve change, promote education, and highlight stories and efforts that may get brushed aside. My journey will begin in schools, but eventually I aim to branch out and take on larger roles.
Advice to students: Take a leap of faith and accept that going out of your comfort zone will be difficult but worth the personal growth. Surrounding yourself with a support system and plenty of opportunities, which UH will provide, will ensure that your passion’s flame never fizzles.
Contact: kzapata2@cougarnet.uh.edu

Inaugural Dean’s Student Advisory Council (2023-24)