USF Provost Renu Khator Selected as Sole Finalist
for UH System Chancellor and UH President

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 on October 15 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, Khator 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.

“Dr. Khator is an educational superstar. I want to thank the search advisory committee for bringing us an absolutely stellar slate of candidates,” said Wilson. “It was clear to us that Dr. Khator is the right person at the right time for the University of Houston and the UH System. I am extremely pleased to announce her as our sole candidate for chancellor and president. She brings a wealth of experience in moving a great university onto the national stage. I know she can make a real difference here. She has already shown her commitment to students and faculty and the community in her work at the University of South Florida. We look forward to bringing her to Houston to lead this university and this system to the next level of excellence.”

Once confirmed, she is expected to begin serving in January 2008. Interim Chancellor and President John M. Rudley will continue to serve until Khator takes office.

The 52-year-old Renu Khator (pronounced rah-NEW ka-TOOR) has served as provost at the University of South Florida since 2003, and was dean of the College of Arts & Sciences for three years prior to that. From 1997 to 2000, she served as the director of USF’s Environmental Science and Policy Department.

She has served as professor of government & international affairs at the university since 1995. She is the author or editor of five scholarly books and numerous articles concerning global public administration, environmental issues, and South Asian politics.

“I have been very impressed by the bold and embracing vision of the University of Houston System,” said Khator. “I applaud the board’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, economic development, diversity and PK-16 education. The University of Houston System, with its distinctive yet complementary institutions, is poised to become a model metropolitan university providing access and excellence with equal ease. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful institution and exciting city and state.”