Dr. R. Prem Sudha is the Professor and HOD of the Civil Engineering Department at Akshaya College of Engineering and Technology. She has pursued a B.E. in Civil Engineering, an M.E. in Environmental Engineering and Management, and a Ph.D. Additionally, she has more than 17 years of experience in teaching and has made significant research contributions. She has published 4 international papers and 1 national paper in journals, as well as presented 8 international and 26 national papers at conferences. Furthermore, she has authored 11 books and holds 2 patents. Dr. Premsudha is an active member of several professional organizations, including IE(I), NSWAI, ISTE, IGS, IAHS, IAENG, IRED, and HKCBEES.

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Being a faculty member of the civil department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students? 

As a faculty member of ACET, I believe in academic leadership, student support, and guidance. My primary responsibility is to create an environment that fosters academic excellence, student success, and personal growth while also advancing the goals and mission of the institution.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty? 

In my opinion, open communication and accessibility should be the prime qualities of a leader. I always try to recognize the work done by my team and appreciate it. Furthermore, I always try to include everyone in decision-making because that helps in professional development and avoids conflicts within the team. 

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented? 

In our department, we organize workshops with industry professionals and bring them as guest lecturers. Besides that, we also assigned the students practical assignments to enhance their skills and took them for field visits and site tours. Our curriculum is also very much industry-oriented. 

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students that help them gain necessary skills? 

We organize hands-on training sessions and skill development programs for the students. Apart from that, we have a very effective placement cell that provides the students with internship and research opportunities. The mentorship and professional development programs continuously improve the skills of the students and make them future-ready.

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What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department? 

Most of the students prepare for a job after completion of the course due to family situations. So on average, only 2-3 students opt for higher education and the rest prepare themselves for jobs. 

How do you help your student to cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

I always motivate my students to develop skills and encourage them to learn the software. Students should always involve themselves in a continuous learning process because that will benefit them in their future careers.

What are the challenges you faced or are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department? 

Nowadays, especially after the advancement of online modes of study, students become very lazy, mostly due to a huge addiction to mobile devices. Students lack concentration and they are much disinterested in attending classes. 

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths and how can they be enhanced? 

The greatest strengths of our college are good infrastructure, healthy environments, cooperating faculties, and a motivating and encouraging head of the institution.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead? 

I always advise the students to first discover their passions and set clear goals to achieve them. Keep learning continuously and developing the marketable skills that will help them to build a strong network in the industry. Students should always be persistent and adaptable in every situation.