Khator received the award at USHCC’s national convention on September 21.
Raghavendra M
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) has awarded University of Houston President Renu Khator with its 2015 “Excellence in Leadership Award.”
Khator received this honor at the organization’s national convention on September 21 in Houston, Texas, reported, The Cougar.
“I consider it a big honor to stand on the national stage, represent the University of Houston and accept this award on behalf of all the great work done by all of us together”, Khator was quoted as saying.
The USHCC said that as the first woman to lead the UH System and the first Indian immigrant to oversee a major research university, Khator was the perfect fit for the award.
“President Khator has not only broken the glass ceiling, but her commitment to education has served as an inspiration for Americans, women, and immigrants of all backgrounds,” USHCC President and CEO Javier Palomarez had said in an earlier statement.
“President Khator’s outstanding achievements underscore the vision, intellect, discipline, and resolve of women in leadership. The USHCC is proud to honor President Khator with this award”, he added.
“Since the Hispanic community is an increasingly important presence in our city, the University of Houston is committed to making sure we acknowledge and support that expanding role,” Khator said.
“This award, like our being designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, is another example of that commitment“, she added.
The Excellence in Leadership Award pays tribute to an extraordinary woman who has devoted her professional career and personal life to revolutionizing the world of business, education, philanthropy, or government.
Previous honorees include U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, iconic journalist and talk show host Cristina Saralegui and seven-time Grammy-Award winning artist Gloria Estefan.
During President Khator’s tenure, the university became a member of the Texas suMedical Center. It also launched its 75-acre Energy Research Park initiative—an academic research and startup hub for the energy industry—as part of a $400 million campus expansion program.