Dear UH Family,

I am pleased to welcome everyone back to campus for the spring semester. Although we got off to a chilly start, I know you’re ready to kick off 2024 in grand Cougar fashion.

I’m also eager to start the New Year on the right foot, and what better way to do so than with another edition of Provost Profiles ?

This month, I visit with a student who truly rolls out the Cougar red carpet for future students—Natalia Marinero!

Natalia is one of our UH Ambassadors, who conducts campus tours for aspiring Coogs.

Her outgoing personality and expert communication skills are assets in this role. She no doubt honed such talents in our very own Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, where she’s majoring in public relations.

Natalia’s passion for the University, however, extends far back to her childhood. Both parents were Coogs ... and they even met here on campus. As a child, her toy chest even had a UH Alumni Association sticker on it, which only reinforced her destiny to earn a degree from the University.

You can experience Natalia’s enthusiasm for UH and the Valenti School and learn more about her here .

She is just one of the countless Coogs who demonstrates immense pride in the University, and I look forward to meeting more inspiring students this semester and sharing their stories through Provost Profiles.

Diane Z. Chase
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, UH