This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2023–24 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.

Naresh Khatri

Associate professor, Department of Health Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

I’m teaching three Master of Health Administration classes this semester. Two classes are meant for our Residential students (HMI 8460: Administration of Health Care Organizations and HMI 8461: Managing Human Resources in Health Care Organizations), and one class is meant for our Executive students (HMI 8461: Managing Human Resources for Health Care Organizations).

Tell us about yourself. What is your background?

I earned my Ph.D. in organization and human resources from the State University of New York, Buffalo, and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. I grew up in India and taught for seven years at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?

I have been with the MHA program and Mizzou since 2001. I find myself quite fortunate in that I have experienced three different cultures/societies: Indian, American and Chinese. I very much like Columbia. It is my kind of town — nice and clean with decent and civil people.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I have deep passion for scholarship and teaching. My job gives me ample opportunities to think of new ideas.

What has you excited for this semester?

Every semester — particularly the fall — awakens Columbia with a burst of new, youthful energy.

What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?

I like golf, yoga, gardening and long walks on awesome Columbia trails.  

Could you share a memorable moment from your time teaching?

Last fall, my students wanted me to start every class with a joke. It was quite an interesting challenge, but I think I did pretty well.

What is your hidden talent?

My team won the Mizzou Faculty Golf League at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course one time and finished in second place another time.