University of St. Thomas announces David Hao as the new Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Hao will begin his tenure on Feb. 17.

Answering the Call

Hao states that his appointment is an opportunity for him to live out his vocational calling.

“I am so honored and excited to be joining the Celts at this exciting time,” Hao said. “The Call Toward Tomorrow is such a compelling vision that I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of. The Student Affairs team at UST is incredible, and I cannot wait to co-create with them and other campus partners to accelerate student learning, student thriving, and student success.”

Hao’s position is part of the University’s restructuring to a divisional model. Recently, the University combined Enrollment Management Department and Student Affairs Department into a new division called Enrollment Management and Student Engagement.

Hao's Background

He joins UST from Houston Baptist University, where he served as Dean of Student Success & Advising and Chief Retention Officer. Hao also taught at HBU including Freshmen Year Seminar, Business Ethics, World of Business, Legal Aspects & Finance of Higher Education and History and Philosophy of Higher Education.

Hao obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Boston College Law School along with a Master of Higher Education Administration degree from Boston College Lynch School of Education. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University. He is a licensed attorney and a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Hao is married to Claire Hao, who he met at college, has three daughters and resides in Sugar Land.