Welcome to the University of Houston's Newest Department!
The Department of Statistical Finance is a joint venture between the UH College of Business, Natural Science and Mathematics, and the Corleone Family. Conceived as a way to utilize an other wise unused and unfinished building ( Potemkin Hall --pictured above), we provide the students and UH community a way to fund their education via slot-machines, card-tables, and other forms of gambling. Our courses range from practical seminars on "how to beat the odds" and "how to collect from dead-beats" to advanced courses on card counting and stealth technology. Be the Smartest Guy in the Room!
Albert Einstein: "You cannot beat a roulette table unless you steal money from it."
Our Classes and Research
We emphasize not only theoretical but practical and experimental aspects of statistical finance. The odds are in your favor that a degree from our department can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Here are some of our students performing exciting laboratory experiments under the watchful eye of their TA. Cougar High has become Cougar High-Rollers! Laisse le bon temps rouler!
Our on-site maintenance and delivery experts insure you that our lab-equipment is up to date and meets the most rigorous industry standards. Why settle for less?
Facilities: Cougar Casino!
Faculty
Our faculty has world class reputation in the area of statistical and creative finance. Come, learn from the best!
Noted Alumni Johnny Chan
Known for keeping a "lucky" orange in front of him on the table, and after the second consecutive WSOP title, other players began bringing fruit to the table in hopes of increasing their luck. Chan says he only had an orange with him because of the pleasant scent, as smoking, which was allowed in many tournaments then, bothered him. Chan was once a smoker, but now he neither smokes nor drinks alcohol. In 2005, Chan won his tenth World Series of Poker title, defeating Phil Laak in a Texas hold 'em event. He is tied with Doyle Brunson for second place with 10 World Series of Poker bracelets, behind Phil Hellmuth (11). He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002. Through 2006, Chan has won $3,744,331 at the World Series of Poker.
Dr. Kenneth Lay Ph.D. University of Houston (Economics)
Subject of a number of books, including "Conspiracy of Fools" (2005), "Icarus in the Boardroom, The Tao of Enron: Spiritual Lessons from a Fortune 500 Fallout" (2002), "The Smartest Guys in the Room" (2003), "24 Days", and "Power Failure", Dr. Lay was one of America's highest-paid CEOs, earning (for example) a $42.4 million compensation package in 1999. In December 2000, Lay was mentioned as a possible candidate for President Bush's Treasury secretary along with J.P. Morgan & Co. head Douglas A. Warner III and a few others. After dumping large amounts of Enron stock in the fall of 2001 as its price fell, he encouraged his employees to continue to buy more stock assuring them of a rebound. All told, he liquidated upwards of $300 million, most in stock options. In July 2004, he was indicted by grand jury, and later found guilty on nine counts of fraud and conspiracy. This conviction was later abated upon Dr. Lay's untimely demise while attempting to prove the notorious and hitherto unproven "You can take it with you" conjucture. Dr. Lay is certainly the Grand Poobah of Creative Finance.