Renu Khator, University of Houston:

The first woman Chancellor and the first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive research university in the United States, Renu Khator is the president of University of Hudston since January 2008. She is the third person to hold the dual position at UH. She started her career from University of South Korea in 1985 severing at various positions.

Khator was born in Farrukhbad, Uttar Pradesh in 1955. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Kanpur University in 1973 and moved to Purdue University for further studies. She earned Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in political science and Public Administration.

She was married in 1974 to Suresh who holds a doctorate in engineering, and is a professor and associate dean of the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. She is also the third highest paid president of U.S. higher education institutions.

Autar Kaw, University of South Florida:

Professor of mechanical engineering, fellow of ASME and Jerome Krivanek distinguished teacher at the University of South Florida, professor Autar Kaw was awarded with the professor of the year in 2012 from the council for Advancement and Support of education and Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of teaching.

Kaw earned his BE Honors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, India in 1981; Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics in 1987 and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics in 1984, from Clemson University, SC. 

He joined University of South Florida in 1987. Professor Kaw has written several books on subjects such as composite materials, numerical methods, computer programming, matrix algebra, and engineering licensure examination.

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