Dr. P. Sampath, a distinguished author is also the Dean of Academic Affairs at EASA College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in Engineering Education and Research. He holds an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a post-graduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Bharathiyar, along with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Information and Communication Engineering from Anna University, Chennai. With over twenty-seven years of teaching experience, Dr. Sampath has significantly impacted countless students and held prominent leadership positions, including Dean, Vice-Principal, and Head of the Department at various institutions. His dedication to research is evident in numerous papers published in esteemed journals such as ABDC, Scopus, and UGC CARE, and his innovative thinking has led to patents. Beyond research papers, Dr. Sampath has authored chapters in notable books, reflecting a blend of academic scholarship and real-world pragmatism, making him an invaluable asset to both the academic community and the engineering world.

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You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I find joy in guiding learning and seeing the growth of students. Sharing knowledge, provoking curiosity, and being part of the development process of individuals both personally and professionally is what teaching is to me. Education influences society greatly. I have a sense of purpose as I contribute towards shaping educated and skilled individuals who will make a difference tomorrow. Involvement in the education sector provides an opportunity for working with peers, experts from various fields, learners as well as other groups. The feeling of oneness within a community like this where we share common objectives makes working here to be enjoyable.

Being the Dean of Academic Affairs of EASA College of Engineering and technology, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My philosophy of administration at EASA College of Engineering and Technology revolves around cooperative, empowerment-based principles. This requires the development of a culture that encourages ideas and contributions by all departments in the institution as well as making decisions together towards a shared vision, hence collective efforts towards academic excellence. Empowerment is important to me; I ensure that our team professionally develops themselves through continuous learning and skill enhancement programs as a way of bonding and trusting each other for delegated roles for which they are accountable. I promote new types of pedagogies, and technology incorporation in teaching, as well as fostering an innovative environment within the institution. We have a student-centred approach where any policy or decision made must enhance student learning and encourage personal growth academically, leading to their being employable.

The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your EASA College of Engineering and Technology?

Some benefits students who will come to EASA College of Engineering and Technology will face are quality education and accredited programs, rigorous, accredited curriculum balancing theory and practical application. We have a team of experienced faculty who employ innovative teaching methods and modern, project-based learning and technology integration. We have industry collaboration and practical exposure, and we have established stringent industry relations for internships, industrial visits, and state-of-the-art labs for hands-on practice. We promote numerous research and development opportunities and have a research-oriented approach with resources for advanced projects in specialised centres. Our focus is on holistic development and skill enhancement through our programs on communication, leadership, and the development of professional skills. We offer a supportive learning environment with robust mentoring systems and advising, remedial help for failing learners.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for EASA College of Engineering and Technology specifically?

Our biggest challenge is adapting to technological advancements and making education affordable and accessible. One of our desirable goals is to make higher education a reasonable financial burden for people and, to make it more accessible without limitations to the present proportion of the populace taking part in higher education. Supervising education and making it consistent in quality among all institutions is critical, especially during the era of online education. Always revising the courses that are being taught at every level with the most recent preparatory knowledge and trends of the industry is necessary. We also need research funding and support.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

People working in engineering and management should be taught to accept a mindset of lifelong learning. They should be curious and constantly update their knowledge by attending trainings and workshops. Developing soft skills like creativity, communication, teamwork, and leadership is necessary, along with internships and projects for getting hands-on experience. Keeping up with the latest technological advancements and enhancing the strength of your digital skills will never make you obsolete in the industry. Connecting with people and building relationships through industry events and mentorship can open doors to many opportunities. Maintain a high level of integrity and take responsibility for your actions. Keep your health in balance by giving your health priority. Skills in entrepreneurship and innovation can bring out creative processes.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for EASA College of Engineering and Technology international affairs and/or students?

The focus of the EASA College of Engineering and Technology is on cross-border collaborations, introducing the GSAAA framework. For this, we plan to forge strategic alliances and interactions with well-known universities, educators, and researchers to create student and faculty exchange programs and co-research projects and organise global seminars and workshops. We assure our students that our study program, teaching methods, and examination practices are in perfect line with the existing global benchmarks and our graduates will be guaranteed to be globally better than others. For international students, we plan to set up specialised support services, which would include both immigration processes, housing options, and cultural knowledge transfer. Our curriculum will include global case studies and we will be employing innovative teaching models such as the flipped classroom and blended learning. Our educational mission is broad and we are creating a diversified, inclusive environment with the help of numerous cultural events and languages that are sometimes spoken among the community members.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your EASA College of Engineering and Technology?

Our strategy is built on open communication channels for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to express their ideas and concerns freely, thereby promoting transparency and trust among them. Core values of respect and empathy ensure inclusivity while respecting diverse perspectives. We use a leadership style that is supportive and approachable to encourage collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, among other levels. A student centered focus underpins everything we do by offering such support mechanisms as personalised academic support, mentoring programs and counselling services aimed at enhancing the well-being of students.