By Arun Kumar
IANS
Washington : One of the first Indian Americans to become a provost at a comprehensive research university in the United States, Renu Khator has been recognised as an Outstanding American by Choice.
An initiative of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the programme recognises naturalised citizens who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country.
First female provost of University of South Florida, Khator is the second woman of Indian origin to receive the honour after PepsiCo chairman-elect and CEO Indra K. Nooyi who was recognised in April.
India born Khator received her undergraduate degree in liberal arts from Kanpur University. Coming to the United States at the age of 18, she earned her master's degree and doctorate from Purdue University in political science and public administration with particular training in environmental policy.
She has published five books, numerous book chapters, and journal articles in leading national and international journals. Her areas of specialisation include water policy and the impact of globalisation on the environment.
Khator has participated in more than 50 workshops and conferences around the globe in the areas of her professional interests and serves on a number of important boards.
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 Programme.
The University of South Florida, established in 1956, is the ninth largest university in the United States. With a budget of over $1.6 billion, the university offers 200 degree programmes to more than 44,000 students on its four campuses.