October 15, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
SPECIAL CALLED BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING
| Members Present: | Members Absent: |
|
Welcome W. Wilson, Sr., Chair
Jim P. Wise, Secretary Michael J. Cemo Dennis D. Golden Raul A. Gonzalez Leroy L. Hermes Morgan Dunn O'Connor Lynden B. Rose Christopher Sharpe |
Calvin W. Stephens, Vice Chair |
The University of Houston System Board of Regents convened in the Melcher Board Room 100B, Athletics/Alumni Center at the University of Houston on Monday, October 15, 2007. Noting the presence of a quorum, Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 8:37 a.m.
The first item on the agenda was the Executive Session. Pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, which allows governing boards to meet in closed session, the Board of Regents went into Executive Session at 8:37 a.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORTChairman Wilson reconvened the Board meeting at 9:48 a.m. and stated the regents had discussed property and personnel issues with General Counsel Dona H. Cornell, and other University of Houston administrators.
Chairman Wilson stated there was no action taken as a result of Executive Session.
The next item on the agenda was the Appointment of Finalist for University of Houston System Chancellor/University of Houston President – UH System/University of Houston. Chairman Wilson made the motion to approve the Appointment of Finalist University of Houston System Chancellor/University of Houston President, Dr. Renu Khator. Regent Golden moved board approval of the item as presented. Regent Rose seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Chairman Wilson thanked the search advisory committee and Regent Hermes for bringing forth a stellar slate of candidates. Regent Wilson stated it was clear that Dr. Renu Khator was the right person at the right time for the University of Houston and the UH System.
Chairman Wilson stated that the process for appointing a new president or chancellor requires the Board to give public notice at least 21 days prior to a final vote. With this said, Chairman Wilson introduced Dr. Renu Khator as the sole finalist for the chancellor and president position.
Dr. Khator is currently the provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida; a devoted teacher, internationally recognized scholar, and a seasoned administrator.
Dr. Khator has a doctorate and master’s degree in political science from Purdue University and has written five books dealing with global public administration, environmental issues, and South Asian politics.
Both Dr. Khator and her husband Suresh, a highly respected engineering professor at the University of South Florida, were honored by India this year with the Jewel of India, a special award recognizing non-resident Indians for making outstanding contributions in their field.
The Board will officially vote on Dr. Khator’s candidacy at a specially called meeting to be set in early November.
Chairman Wilson personally thanked Dr. John Rudley on behalf of the entire UH System family, for his outstanding service during the past months as interim chancellor and president. He complimented him on the fantastic job he had done moving the university and system forward in areas to benefit the students and the community.
Chairman Wilson stated that following the official vote in November, Dr. Khator will join the university sometime in January 2008.
Following Chairman Wilson’s remarks, the chairman of the search advisory committee, Regent Leroy Hermes, thanked all of the members of the committee for their commitment and hard work throughout the search process. All other board members who were present expressed their excitement with Dr. Khator joining the UH community. A copy of the press release prepared by External Communications was also available after the meeting and is on file in the board office.
Chairman Wilson then introduced and welcomed the new Associate Vice Chancellor/ Associate Vice President for University Relations, Ms. Karen Clarke, to the university.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
All documentation submitted to the Board in support of the foregoing action item, including but not limited to “Passed” agenda items and supporting documentation presented to the Board, is incorporated herein and made a part of these minutes for all purposes; however, this does not constitute a waiver of any privileges contained herein.
| Others Present: | ||
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John M. Rudley
Max Castillo William Staples Dona H. Cornell Donald Foss Jim McShan Donald Birx Grover Campbell Elwyn Lee Michael Rierson Beth Robertson Melvyn Wolff Jose Rangel Dave Irvin Gerry Mathisen |
David Bell
Jim Anderson Janis Newman Elaine Charlson Wendy Adair Ted Estess Eric Gerber Sue Davis Carol Barr Marco Mariotto Chloe Diepenbrock Michele Sabino Sam Quintero Mayra Cruz |
Sandra Guerra Thompson
Oscar Gutierrez John Powell Ed Hugetz Samuel Dike Joe Kotarba Raman Krisnamoorti Karen Clarke Malcolm Davis David Francis Carl Stockton Dirk Sostman Peggy Cervenka Marquette Hobbs |
