Director of Community Outreach
Shri. Ankur Patel serves as the Director of Community Outreach at the Hindu University of America (HUA), where he leads the university’s outreach initiatives, coordinates HUA’s webinar series as a regular host, and supports the growth of Friends of HUA and other community-based efforts. He brings to this role a strong academic foundation, holding a B.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles (2007) and an M.S. from California State University, Northridge (2014).
Ankur’s career spans a wide range of professional and educational experiences. He has taught English in South Korea and China, worked as a public-school teacher in the United States, conducted peer-reviewed scientific research on ants, sold solar panels, and represented hospital staff at Kaiser Permanente through his work with the National Union of Healthcare Workers. His varied experiences reflect a lifelong commitment to service, learning, and community empowerment.
Deeply engaged in public service and civic life, Ankur has run for elected office multiple times, including Los Angeles City Controller (2013), Los Angeles School Board (2015), and California State Assembly (2018). His participation in the World Hindu Congress in Chicago in 2018 further strengthened his connection to his Dhārmic roots. It was there that he met HUA President Kalyan Viswanathan, who invited him to join the university in 2019 as its first Director of Advancement.
In 2023, Ankur transitioned to his full-time role as HUA’s Director of Outreach, where he continues to support the university’s mission with enthusiasm, dedication, and a passion for Dharmic education and community engagement.