TULSA, Okla. – University of Houston president Renu Khator has been appointed to the NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors.

The appointment, which was announced Thursday, begins May 1 and runs through August 2023.

“Upholding the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship in intercollegiate athletics is more important now than perhaps ever before. I embrace this new opportunity to work alongside the dedicated leaders on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors,” Khator said. “The values of institutions, athletics programs and student-athletes must be aligned to achieve athletic and academic success. I will work hard to make sure they are.”

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NCAA president Mark Emmert said Khator will bring a "valuable perspective to the division" with her "broad and diverse engagement in American higher education, global public service and college sports."

Khator is also currently the chair of the Board of Directors of the American Athletic Conference and a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Academic Advisory Council. She also serves on several Houston-area boards and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

“The experience of serving on the NCAA Presidential Forum for the last several years has only strengthened my awareness of the challenges and issues facing the NCAA, including the financial sustainability of athletics programs, health and safety. I look forward to expanding my responsibilities within the NCAA,” said Khator, who was appointed as UH president and system chancellor in 2008.

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors – which consists of 20 presidents, a student-athlete, faculty representative, athletics director and female administrator - provides strategic direction and oversight of committees responsible for academic policies and standards, infractions, infractions appeals and day-to-day decision-making while also engaging presidential leadership from member institutions.

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