Renu Khator

Renu Khator assumed her position as the eighth chancellor of the University of Houston System and the thirteenth president of the University of Houston, making her the first female chancellor in Texas and the first Indian immigrant to lead a comprehensive research university in the U.S. Her role involves the oversight of four institutions in the UH System, collectively serving close to 76,000 students. Khator's academic prowess is reflected in her authorship of five books on global public administration, environmental issues, and South Asian politics.

Khator's leadership has been marked by significant milestones and achievements for the University of Houston. Notably, the university earned Tier One status for highest research activity from the Carnegie Foundation in 2011. Under Khator's guidance, the university embarked on substantial construction projects such as the 40,000-seat TDECU Stadium and an $80-million expansion to the student center. In 2015, UH was awarded a chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Khator also played a crucial role in UH's "Here, We Go" campaign in 2019, raising over $1 billion and surpassing its goal 18 months ahead of schedule.

Recent years have seen continued growth and expansion for the University of Houston. In 2020, UH opened the Tilman J. Fertitta College of Medicine, the first medical school in Houston in over 50 years. The following year, UH joined the Big 12 Conference, with all University sports teams scheduled to begin competition in 2023. A generous $10 million gift from Shell in 2022 allowed UH to establish the Energy Transition Institute. Furthermore, a $20 million gift in 2023 enabled UH to rename the College of Nursing to the Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing and address the nursing labor shortage. Texas voters approved a $3.9 billion Texas University Fund amendment to enhance research capabilities at UH and other universities in November 2023.