Renu Khator
Renu Khator

TEXAS (Diya TV) — Indian-American and academic Renu Khator has been selected as part of the 2016 class of the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.

Her induction, in part, is made to recognize the significant and impactful contributions Khator has made to the nation’s second-largest state.

“Thank you, Governor! I am honoured and humbled,” the 61-year-old Chancellor and President of the prestigious University of Houston said in response to the news.

Khator is the “first Indian immigrant to be head a comprehensive public research university in the United States,” according to the news release which announced her induction.

She will enter the hall alongside the likes of along with Emma Carter Browning, a pilot, businesswoman and aviation pioneer; Susie Hitchcocl-Hall, an entrepreneur, businesswoman and founder of Susie’s South Forty Confections in Midland; and Ginger Kerrick, the division chief of the Flight Operations Directorate Integration Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center which provides support to the astronauts and flight directors.

“Whether in public service, the arts, business or education, these leaders have inspired generations of Texans to reach new heights, achieve new goals and elevate the Lone Star State. I would like to thank each of the honourees and their families for their families for their enduring contributions to the State of Texas,” Governor Greg Abbott said.

During her eight-year tenure with the University of Houston, Khator has overseen prestigious faculty additions from the most regarded areas of science and engineering. Undergraduates are consistently performing higher academically, and returning at a higher rate.

Khator was the first Indian-American to marshal a major research university in the U.S., she additionally serves as president of the univrysity’s main campus.

The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame accepts nominations biannually and is open to any native or current residents of Texas, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions that have benefited the State of Texas.