Dr. Sara L. Jahansouz Wray joins the Dean of Students Office

DSA News
September 02, 2022

Dr. Sara Jahansouz Wray joined the Dean of Students Office at the University of Houston (UH) in August 2022 as an assistant dean of students.

As the assistant dean of students, Dr. Wray will support the Dean of Students Office as a conduct officer and advocate for the UH student experience. Wray will also act as the Dean of Students Office liaison to the Sugar Land and Katy campuses.

Dr. Wray said, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to once again support students within the UH system. Serving as an assistant university dean provides me with an excellent opportunity to fulfill my passion for college student advocacy. It is truly an honor and privilege to walk alongside students on their higher education journey.”

Prior to Dr. Wray’s arrival at UH, she served as dean of students at UH-Downtown overseeing all student affairs departments. During her time serving as associate dean of students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dr. Wray served as a board member for the Ford Foundation’s Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) for Cities and was named Professor of the Year by the Student Government Association.

Dr. Wray holds a bachelor's degree in Lifesciences from Kansas State University, a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University, a master's degree in Emergency and Crisis Management from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and a Doctorate in Learning and Leadership from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Wray’s dissertation, Female Undergraduate Student Perceptions of Their Engagement in an Experiential Learning Activity, has been utilized as a leading resource in understanding undergraduate engagement in the panhellenic sorority recruitment process. Dr. Wray’s research interests include emotional intelligence, recovery, and student persistence.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Donell Young, J.D., said “The assistant dean of students position is essential for the Dean of Students Office and the student body. I am delighted that Sara Jahansouz Wray joined the UH community. I am impressed with her vision, insight, and thoughtful reflections on the challenges facing today’s college students. Dr. Wray has experience in managing various student affairs functions, providing behavioral and crisis response, and will assist the team to provide essential educational experiences for students that will guide them to a life of productive work and community engagement.”

Dr. Wray’s proudest role in life is that of wife and mother. She along with her husband, Mike, and children, Rory Rose and Shepherd reside in Sugar Land, TX. Her family enjoys making memories through travel and time spent with friends.