Andhra University : Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasad Reddy, who embarks on his second term as the Vice Chancellor of this esteemed institution. The announcement, a significant milestone for the university, reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence under proven leadership.
Governor of Andhra Pradesh, S. Abdul Nazeer, officially declared the reappointment of Prof. Reddy through a gazette notification. An accomplished figure within the institution, Prof. Reddy resumes his leadership role as Vice Chancellor, marking the continuity of an impressive legacy in AU’s development. His new tenure commences on January 17, taking the reins from the date of his appointment for the next three years.
Prof. Prasad Reddy’s tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Andhra University began initially on July 19, 2019, and concluded on November 24, 2023. Over this period, he spearheaded initiatives that propelled the institution towards new heights of academic and research distinction.
During the interim period, Prof. K. Samatha assumed the role of in-charge Vice Chancellor, providing steady guidance for nearly 50 days.
The search for a deserving candidate to hold the prestigious position of Vice Chancellor at AU drew nationwide attention. The State Higher Education Department undertook a comprehensive recruitment drive in June 2023, a process that was open to eligible professors across India. The post attracted over 127 qualified applicants, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the selection process. Delays in the announcement of the successful candidate were attributed to legal proceedings and other factors.
Practices Adopted in the Selection of Vice Chancellor
Typically, leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) ensure a smooth transition by naming the incoming Vice Chancellor ahead of the outgoing one’s term conclusion. This is accompanied by an official proclamation. For the first time ever, the State government adopted this commendable approach for Andhra University, mirroring the practices of IITs and IIMs. However, the announcement of Prof. Reddy’s continuation in the role as Vice Chancellor of AU did not follow the expected timeline.