William A. Staples served as the fourth president of the University of HoustonâÂÂClear Lake. He earned a bachelor's degree from Drake University (BBA 1970), a master's degree from the University of Iowa (MBA 1972), and a doctorate in business administration from the University of Houston (PhD 1977). Prior to becoming president, he served the UHCL's School of Business as coordinator, program director, associate dean, and dean.