A major gift from Peggy and Chris Seaver aims to elevate UH Energy.
The University of Houston has received a $1 million gift from Peggy and Chris Seaver to establish the Peggy and Chris Seaver Endowed Aspire Professorship, a universitywide faculty position designed to strengthen UH Energy and expand the University’s leadership in addressing the most pressing global energy challenges.
The endowed professorship will help recruit a distinguished faculty member within UH Energy, the University of Houston’s signature energy initiative. It is the third professorship appointed to UH Energy and only one of few endowed faculty positions at UH not tied to a single college — reflecting the initiative’s multidisciplinary, universitywide mission.
The professorship qualifies for a dollar-for-dollar match through the Aspire Fund Challenge, a transformational $50 million matching initiative that was launched by an anonymous donor to expand endowed faculty positions that advance global engagement, energy systems transformation and health care innovation. The match doubles the impact of the Seavers’ investment, accelerating UH’s ability to recruit world-class faculty and expand the University’s energy research profile.
Peggy Seaver is a two-time UH alumna (’88, M.B.A. ’91) and, together with her husband Chris, has been a longtime supporter of the University.
“Our family has long roots in the energy industry, which makes this gift especially meaningful for both of us.”
—Peggy Seaver, UH alumna
“The University of Houston has been an important part of my story for most of my adult life. I started college and graduate school at the age of 29 as a working student,” said Peggy Seaver. “Our family has long roots in the energy industry, which makes this gift especially meaningful for both of us. Giving back in a way that helps students and advances the University’s leadership in energy just feels right. Energy challenges affect all of us, and we believe UH is the right place to develop tomorrow’s leaders and advance energy solutions that matter to Houston and the world.”
The new professorship will be housed within UH Energy, which integrates research, education, industry and community engagement, and innovation to address the most pressing energy challenges of the 21st century. Located in the energy capital of the world, UH leverages multidisciplinary expertise across engineering, science, business, law and public policy to develop reliable, affordable, resilient and sustainable energy solutions.
UH Energy brings together UH’s energy-related talent and resources to produce a highly skilled workforce and strategic leadership for the evolving sector. It is recognized for research breakthroughs and technological innovations that drive today’s energy industry. This integrated approach spans the full energy system spectrum — from traditional hydrocarbons to renewables and emerging technologies — all guided by UH’s role as The Energy University®.
“This gift will be key to cementing UH’s role as The Energy University,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president for energy and innovation at UH. “By recruiting a highly respected faculty member with international experience, we are further elevating UH Energy’s global profile while deepening our impact here in the energy capital of the world.”
UH Energy was established in 2008 by UH President Renu Khator. The initiative brings together faculty from nine colleges, works closely with industry partners, and facilitates global thought leadership through advisory boards, faculty fellowships and student-led initiatives.
“This is the type of visionary philanthropy that defines the University of Houston’s next chapter,” said Russell Dunlavy, vice president for advancement and alumni at UH. “Peggy and Chris Seaver believe in what UH stands for and what this university is building for the future. Their gift fuels the momentum behind Can’t Stop Houston: The Centennial Campaign and strengthens UH’s place on the global energy stage.”
Funding for the endowed professorship supports research, student engagement and related academic activities.