Sam Houston Foundation
University foundations are separate 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations that provide support for the educational institution. These foundations also typically manage investments.
University Foundation Benefits
• Investment flexibility, providing an opportunity for greater returns with less risk of loss of real value.
• Real estate and construction transactions can be done in a more competitive and expeditious manner.
• Secure and stable source of funding due to independence and long-term focus.
Donor Benefits
• Foundations have the fiduciary responsibility to represent the donors’ interest and ensure gifts are used in strict accordance with donors’ intent.
• Gifts are managed by a board comprised of individuals with specialized legal, business, and financial management expertise.
• In many instances, foundations can provide greater privacy for donors.
Because of this, many donors prefer to make a gift to the foundation for the benefit of the university. They feel confident their gift will be responsibly invested and distributed for its intended purposes.
The Sam Houston University Foundation
The Sam Houston University Foundation was established in 2012 and is governed by an independent volunteer board comprised of prominent business leaders, alumni, and other successful individuals who are willing to commit their time, resources and talent in support of the university.
Richard A. Hartley is a permanent trustee of the Sam Houston University Foundation and since 2014, has served two terms as president. After 23 years, he retired as Executive Director of The 100 Club. He is a 1992 graduate with his master’s degree in criminal justice management.
Not only is Hartley a Life Member of the Alumni Association but has also served as president. He oversaw The 100 Club’s generous support of the College of Criminal Justice, which has provided scholarships to Criminal Justice students for more than 25 years. He is a 2004 recipient of the College of Criminal Justice’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and a recipient of the 2005 Alumni Association Service Award.
His professional achievements include serving as an award-winning newsman for Houston’s Channels 2 and 13 and organizing the first public information office in the Houston Police Department’s history. He is the only person to have served four police chiefs as HPD’s Director of Media Relations. Hartley is the recipient of numerous honors, including an HPD Chief of Police Commendation and the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award. He is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Tommy Metcalf has served as vice president of the Foundation Board since 2013 and assumes the position of president in September 2018. He is a private investor who serves on the board of directors of Spirit of Texas Bank and is a former member of the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council. Elected in 2004, Metcalf served a four-year term as mayor of the City of Conroe. While in office, he lowered taxes and turned a $1.5-million deficit into a $28-million surplus. He earned his bachelor’s degree in general business administration from SHSU in 1971. He established the “Tommy Metcalf Endowed Scholarship” for Conroe-area students with a financial need. Metcalf is a member of the SHSU President’s Circle, the 1879 Society, has served on the board of directors for the Alumni Association and he is a Life Endowed Member. He was honored with the association’s Service Award in 2012. He has been a member of the Samuel Houston Society for eight years. Metcalf also is a founding member and first board chairman of the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers organization, former board member, past president, and Drive chairman of the Montgomery United Way, past president of the Conroe Rotary Club, and lifetime vice-president of the Montgomery County Fair Association.
For more information on giving to the Sam Houston University Foundation, please call 936-294-3625.