Renu Khator
Title: USF Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Specialty: Water policy, environmental policy, building consensus among governmental agencies.
Contact Information:
University of South Florida
ADM 226 - USF
Phone: (813) 974-8347
E-mail this USF Collaborative Partner
Details:
Educational and professional background:
Dr. Khator is a native of India where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from Purdue University. Prior to her appointment as Interim Provost, she led USF’s largest college as Dean of Arts and Sciences. Prior to that she served as director of the environmental science and policy program. She is a professor of political science and environmental science and policy.
Topics of expertise:
Water policy, environmental policy, building consensus among governmental agencies. Kinds of activities affecting the community or professional interactions with the community: Research projects, surveys, strategic planning for governmental agencies, service on Boards and helping with grant funding initiatives Types of community-related projects involved in: Long history of engagement with the community in the Tampa Bay area, particularly in environmental initiatives, including the Hillsborough County Blue Ribbon Committee on Water Utility, Tampa Bay National Estuary Program, Clearwater Brownfields Environmental Justice Action Plan, City of Tampa’s Environmental Taskforce and various projects with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
What have you learned from your research that you wish every professional knew?
“Today’s policy issues are too complex to regulate—building consensus is necessary. Engaging community in a meaningful way is not possible until you are ready to listen and let go of control. Solutions are there, if we can find a way to talk to one another.”
What have you learned from your research that you wish every student knew?
“There is no better way to learn than to immerse yourself in the real world and real situations.” What do you think is the biggest issue in your field right now and how would you address it? “Availability of water – take a true regional approach by building a network of stakeholders.”
