Change is in the air at the University of Houston. 

In fact, the Cougars have a new leader.

Chancellor Renu Khator says she feels she can turn U of H into a powerhouse.

“I think it’s about time to get the University of Houston in some of the major national rankings,” she said.

In the 2006 study of Top American Research Universities, U of H fell within the top 50 schools – good, but not top tier.

“There is enormous potential for the University of Houston doing all kinds of energy work,” Dr. Khator said.

Dr. Khator has set aside the first 100 days of her presidency and chancellorship to have people send in ideas of what they would like to see happen for the university.

Those suggestions will become the cornerstone of the goals she’ll set for the school.

“I want to make sure the University of Houston is accessible at an affordable cost to students,” she said.

Tuition at U of H has risen steadily in recent years.  In fact, one year it jumped a whopping 14 percent.

Higher donations from alums could cut that cost.

“There are some areas, such as endowment and alumni giving that definitely need some attention,” Dr. Khator said.

Her leadership comes with a number of firsts for the university.

“I think I am the first person from India or Indian background to hold the presidency or chancellorship of a major university,” she said.

She’s certainly the first woman at U of H to hold the joint posts.