Dr. Liza Alonzo

Dr. Liza Alonzo is a native Houstonian who grew up in southeast Houston and attended HISD schools. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), where she co-founded the Xi Chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc., the university’s first Hispanic sorority, which continues to thrive today. She later earned a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Alonzo has built a distinguished career at UHD and now serves as Assistant Vice President of Presidential Affairs and Constituent Relations. In this role, she leads the operations of the President’s Office, advances presidential strategic initiatives, and strengthens relationships with community partners, government officials, alumni, university friends, and stakeholders. Her work helps elevate the university’s visibility, deepen community connections, and support initiatives that advance student success and institutional impact.

Dr. Alonzo is equally committed to serving the Houston community. She is a longtime volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Tejano Committee, where she serves as a Division Chairman and serves on the HLSR Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Junior League of Houston, serving as a certified Child Advocate and participating in the Life Book program for children in foster care. Since 2018, she has served on the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA Board and remains active in the Clear Lake High School PTA as Vice President of Programs as well as the Cross-Country Booster Club as secretary.

Her leadership and service have earned numerous honors, including the League of Women Voters of Houston’s Helen Hunter Award and Rising Star recognition, Congressional Recognition for Civic Engagement from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the 2023 Distinguished Latina Award from the Pan American Round Table Houston, the 2023 Mariachi Festival Influential Latina Award, UHD’s 2024 Golden Gator Alumni Award, and recognition as a 2025 Woman on the Move by Texas Executive Women. She is also an alumna of the Governor’s Executive Development Program at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and United Way Project Blueprint. Dr. Alonzo lives in the Clear Lake area with her husband, Albert, their sons, Liam and Luke, and their two rescue dogs, Lola and Ollie.