Immigrant of the Day: Renu Khator (India)

Our Immigrant of the Day is Dr. Renu Khator, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida. Born in India, Dr. Khator received her undergraduate degree in liberal arts from Kanpur University. Dr. Khator came to the United States at the age of eighteen. She earned her master's degree and doctorate from Purdue University in Political Science and Public Administration. Dr. Khator has published five books, numerous book chapters, and journal articles in leading national and international journals. Her areas of specialization include water policy and the impact of globalization on the environment.  Dr. Khator has participated in workshops and conferences around the globe and serves on a number of important boards.

Dr. Khator was appointed to her current position at the University of South Florida in 2003 after serving for three years as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and three years as Director of the Environmental Science and Policy Program.

Dr. Khator is the first female Provost of University of South Florida and one of the first Indian Americans to become provost at a comprehensive research university in the country.  She is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Dr. Khator has received many honors and awards, among them are the 2006 Outstanding American by Choice Award (given by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for outstanding achievements by a naturalized citizen), the 2007 Hind Rattan Award (Jewel of India Award - given to a non-resident Indian for making outstanding contributions in her/his adoptive land), the 2006 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts, and the 2006 Outstanding Educator Award by the American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture.

Dr. Khator has a long history of community engagement. She serves on several local community boards. She enjoys writing poetry and fiction, several of which have been published.

Dr. Khator has described her philosophy of life as follows: "When life gives you lemons and everyone else is busy making lemonade, think about making margaritas!"

Postscript:  After I posted this story, I learned that the University of Houston has made the following announcement:

"Dr. Renu Khator, provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida, a major research institution and the ninth largest university in the country, has been selected as the sole finalist for the position of University of Houston System chancellor and UH president. A devoted teacher, seasoned educational administrator and respected scholar, Khator has a doctorate and master’s degree in political science from Purdue University and earned her bachelor’s degree from Kanpur University in India. UH System Board of Regents Chairman Welcome Wilson made the announcement Monday following a vote by the board. Texas law requires that the board give public notice at least 21 days prior to a meeting in which final action is taken on the employment of a university chancellor or president. The board can meet anytime on or after November 5 and vote to confirm Khator. If approved, she will become the third person to hold the dual title of UH System chancellor and UH president. She follows Arthur Smith, who retired in 2003, and Jay Gogue, who became president of Auburn University, his alma mater, this summer. A 20-member search advisory committee, led by Regent Leroy Hermes, submitted to the board a list of candidates to consider as Gogue’s replacement."

KJ