Old student Prof. Yadapadithaya takes charge as new vice-chancellor of Mangalore University

Mangaluru, May 4: Prof. Palale Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor Mangalore University by the Governor and Chancellor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.

The 60-year-old academician with 33-years of teaching and research experience and nearly 10-years of administrative experience in different statutory positions is the first academician from the portals of the 38-year-old Mangalore University to head it.

A first batch MCom student from Mangalore University in 1982 having secured the first rank with gold medal, Yadapadithaya obtained his PhD from the university in 1992 in the area of consumer behaviour. Having successfully supervised 22 PhD scholars in areas of HR management and HR development and marketing, he has also worked as the finance officer, registrar (evaluation) and registrar of the University for 9 years and 7 months.

Currently, a senior professor of commerce in Mangalore University, Yadapadithaya said that he believes in continuity with change. “I will continue all the best practices that previous eight vice-chancellors have ushered in while bringing about changes in areas that will help re-build the brand of the university,” he said. There are a few courses that are not in sync with present needs and others that need to be introduced, Yadapadithaya said.

His elevation as VC also marks the first time that an academician from erstwhile DK district including Udupi has ascended the post. Incidentally, K M Kaveriappa from Kodagu, which comes under the administrative jurisdiction of the university, has served as VC. It is also first time that an academician from commerce faculty is heading the university and only the second instance of a commerce faculty in the state in B R Ananthan to do so.

On his immediate priorities, Yadapadithaya said the main challenge is to go for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) re-accreditation. The university presently is graded ‘A’ by NAAC. “We are in midst of NAAC reaccreditation and preparations are on in this regard. This is a real challenge,” he said, adding other immediate priority is to fill various teaching/non-teaching posts that can have bearing on re-accreditation process.

Incidentally, the office of the Governor had cleared the appointment of Yadapadithaya on March 11 and it was only a matter of issuing the appointment order. However, with the code of conduct already in place on account of the general election, the same was withheld on direction from the Election Commission of India and Kishori Nayak K, senior most dean who was then appointed in-charge vice-chancellor, continued in the post till date.