A top Indian-American academic, Renu Khator, has been appointed as member of the US Department of Homeland Security's Academic Advisory Council.

The US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced the appointment of Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston (UH).

Khator was selected by DHS based on her expertise in higher education leadership and University of Houston's leadership in homeland security research. She will serve a four-year term on the council.

Khator said after the appointment, that, "Serving on this council is both an honour and a serious responsibility."

"There can be no more important task than maintaining the safety of our country. Through research, innovation and workforce development, higher education must continue to play a vital role in helping DHS meet that crucial objective," she said.

Trent Frazier, executive director of the Office of Academic Engagement, said that, "What President Khator brings is not only a deep understanding of the issues facing our campuses but also a firm grasp of the mission of DHS through her work at the University of Houston."  "DHS and OAE are excited to further collaborate with her."

The council is made up of 23 members. It includes college presidents, academic leaders and inter-agency partners, provides advice and recommendations to the secretary on matters related to homeland security and the academic community.

Since its formation in 2012, members have issued more than 120 recommendations in the areas of academic research and faculty exchange, cybersecurity, campus resilience, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) academic programmes, international students and recruitment of current students and recent graduates.

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Nandini