Stanford Alexander Center for Real Estate Marks Its First Decade

The Stanford Alexander Center has always looked beyond the classroom to focus on the people skills and best practices necessary to succeed in its competitive industry. In that approach, it stands out among the 70 advanced-level real estate programs across the country.

From the beginning, the mission of the program – and the vision of its namesake, Houston commercial real estate giant Stanford J. Alexander – has inspired the Center to reach further than theoretical studies to embrace a practice-based style of instruction.

“The vibrant real estate market in Houston makes this the ideal place for advanced studies in real estate. Our students witness the process up close, and they experience working amid the energy that flows from the city’s never-ending growth. There could be no better location for the Stanford Alexander Center than Houston,” said Paul A. Pavlou, dean of Bauer College.

The goal has always been to certify job-ready students who have the confidence in the skills, knowledge and practical experience they will need to thrive in the profession. The curriculum stresses professional partnerships, hands-on mastery of real-life projects through field-based assignments and – especially – networking among Houston real estate professionals.

“The Stanford Alexander Center is yet another example of UH’s commitment to both our University community and the community where we live,” said Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Preparing students for careers in the robust real estate industry is one of the ways the University of Houston contributes to the future of our city, and we’re proud to host this important center named for a true icon in real estate.”

Internships, career counseling and job guidance from the professionals at the Center help students and graduates explore opportunities in the fast-changing field that, as Richards pointed out, is fueled by networking and knowledge of the local market.

“Theory is important, and we teach that side of the profession. But theory presents a challenge: It tends to take a general look at broad subject areas. But in the real estate world, most information is local, even ‘hyper-local.’ To succeed in this business, you must know the particulars of your area,” Richards stressed.

So, the truth in that old real estate adage – location, location, location – also applies to learning about the real estate business. “Real estate is a people business. Knowing the local market is critical,” he said.

Having put down meaningful roots in the city during their studies, most Stanford Alexander Center students choose to make their career here in Houston. Several have become adjunct professors, often for the Center’s busy roster of night classes. And that’s keeping things perfectly local.

“I love the diversity of Houston. There are people from all over the world living here, and we have access to food, entertainment and culture from a wide variety of sources. UH represents the city well in this regard, with a diverse mix of students. With the huge alumni network in Houston, UH seemed like the ideal place for me to complete my graduate studies and make my career,” said Cutrell.

Across the US, more than 7 million people work in jobs directly identified with real estate – including title insurance, construction, mortgage banking, property management appraisals, development, and brokerage and leasing. A few other careers not classified within the real estate sector – real estate lending and insurance, for example – are closely related and are also important facets of the industry.