Robert K. Glenn, Ph.D.

Robert K. “Bob” Glenn became the president of the University of Houston-Victoria on Aug. 1, 2018. He has worked for five decades in higher education since his first job as a hall director. Glenn joined the UHV family at a particularly dynamic period in its history, which has included the opening of University Commons; the opening of University South, the university’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Building, Don and Mona Smith Hall and UHV Northwest; and the addition of new academic programs. 

In addition to leading UHV, Glenn was actively involved in the Victoria and Crossroads communities. He participated in Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Victoria Economic Development Corp. and helped found the Victoria Young Professionals. He also worked with community members and leaders through the UHV President’s Regional Advisory Board to maintain a connection with the communities the university serves. 

Before coming to UHV, Glenn served as the 36th president of Athens State University starting in 2008, an institution where his great-grandfather was also president in 1902. He previously served as vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services at Middle Tennessee State University; dean of students at Missouri State University; director of student activities at University of North Alabama; and director of student services at Birmingham-Southern College. 

Glenn earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Birmingham-Southern College where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all attended.  He received a Master of Science in student personnel work and his doctorate in counselor education from the University of Alabama. Glenn and his wife, Laurie, have been married since 1978 and have three adult children. 

Glenn attended his first SACSA meeting in 1981 in Nashville. In 1989 he was Speakers Chair for the Conference Planning Committee and continued in that role until 1992. Glenn accepted a position in Missouri which prevented him from holding leadership positions in SACSA, but he still attended the conference each year. He returned to the region in 1999 and began working on the Executive Committee in 2002 as the Vice President for Constituent Relations. He served as Chair of Conference Partners, Sponsors and Exhibitors in 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 2006 he served as President Elect while continuing to work with sponsors and exhibitors. In 2007 he served as SACSA President. In the year he served as President Glenn worked with the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators (TACUPSA) to bring the conference back to Texas. In 2008 he served on the Executive Committee as Past-President. In 2009 Glenn was honored with Howard Davis Service Award and in 2010 as a Lifetime Member. In addition to his SACSA service Glenn was a Faculty Member for the SACSA/NASPA Mid-Managers Institute in 2002 and 2004. Glenn was a member of the NASPA Region III Advisory Board, and State Director (Tennessee) from 2002 until 2006.