Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will honor Dr. Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System, with its prestigious 2014 Quasar Award at the organization’s 21st annual Quasar Award Banquet.
The banquet will be held Friday, Jan.17, at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.
The Quasar Award for Exceptional Leadership in Economic Development is presented each year to an outstanding individual who has contributed greatly to the economic wealth and diversity of the Bay Area Houston region. It is being presented to Dr. Khator in appreciation and acknowledgment of her tremendous work in guiding the University of Houston toward a Tier One status, as well as her support of the UH-Clear Lake in transitioning to a four-year university.
She was born in Uttar Pradesh, India, earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Kanpur. She received her master’s degree and her Ph.D. in political science from Purdue University. A noted scholar in the field of global environmental policy, she has published numerous books and articles on the subject.
Dr. Khator recently joined some of the world’s most respected leaders when she was named to the Indian Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council. She serves on several boards, including the American Council on Education, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Technology Center, the Texas Medical Center Policy Council, the Methodist Hospital Research Institute Board, and the Business Higher Education Forum. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Bob Mitchell, president of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership said, “During Dr. Khator’s six-year tenure, the University of Houston has experienced record-breaking research funding, enrollment and private support. Through her impressive leadership and drive to have the university achieve a Tier One status, the University of Houston has grown to become one recognized for its educational excellence.
“The availability of a quality public university is instrumental in the development of our next generation of leaders. Dr. Khator’s commitment to her students and the community are defining qualities that make her very deserving of the Quasar Award.”
Dr. Khator said, “At the University of Houston System, we take tremendous pride in producing the skilled workforce, innovative entrepreneurs and accomplished leaders who play vital roles in our region’s robust economy. We also appreciate the importance of our many private and public sector partnerships, serving as a crucial research and development resource.
“Certainly, the beneficial impact of the University of Houston-Clear Lake on this particular area is a wonderful example of that. While I’m personally honored to join the illustrious roster of previous recipients of the Quasar Award, I would like to accept it on behalf of the UH System faculty and staff members who work so hard to help our students succeed and, in doing so, foster a positive and prosperous community.”
Prior to her appointment as University of Houston System Chancellor, Dr. Khator was provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida, capping a 22-year career at that institution. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has included her among its Outstanding Americans by Choice awardees, recognizing her achievements as a naturalized citizen.
UH-Clear Lake President Dr. William A. Staples, said, “In her dual roles of chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston, Dr. Khator’s “no excuses and needle-moving” leadership has enhanced student access and success within the UH System and positioned UH as a Tier One University.
“She has also been very supportive of UH-Clear Lake’s transition from an upper-level to a four-year university in fall 2014. The impact of Dr. Khator’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in Bay Area Houston and beyond will be a major factor in advancing the economic development and quality of life of our region.”
Prior recipients of BAHEP’s Quasar Award include: Texas Gov. Ann Richards, 1994; U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, 1995; U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 1996; U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, 1997; Johnson Space Center Director George W.S. Abbey, 1998; Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough, 1999; Robert L. Moody Sr., 2000; Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown, 2001; Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno, 2002; House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, 2003; Harris County Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, 2004; Dr. John Stobo, president of the UTMB at Galveston, 2005; Houston Mayor Bill White, 2006; NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin, 2007; Dr. William A. Staples, president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2008; Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats, 2009; Texas State Rep. Craig Eiland, 2010; U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 2011; U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, 2012, and Fred B. Griffin, owner and co-chairman, Griffin Partners, 2013.
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is a member-driven organization that provides the leadership to stimulate regional economic development and employment in southeast Texas. Its members include approximately 265 investor companies, business professionals, local governments, and educational institutions encompassing 13 cities, Galveston and Harris counties, the Houston Airport System, and the Port of Houston Authority. For more information on Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, call 832.536.3255 or visit www.bayareahouston.com
