Dr. M. Giridhar Kumar is currently working as a Professor& Dean Corporate Affairs, (Ratified, JNTU) GPCET Kurnool, and has about 22 years of experience in teaching and research. He has published research papers in journals of both international and national reputes. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh with HR specialization. His areas of interest include Management Organization Behavior, and Business Research Methods. He has participated in four international conferences.

G. Pullaiah College of Engineering and Technology

What are your primary responsibilities as Dean and how do you balance them with other aspects of your job?

As a Dean, I’m usually involved in managing the budget for their academic unit. This involves allocating resources, securing funding, and ensuring financial sustainability. I’m also involved in setting strategic goals and priorities for their academic unit, aligning these with the broader institutional mission and goals.

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

My strong suggestion to the current generation is to develop strong time management skills. Balancing academic, personal, and extracurricular activities requires effective planning. Prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and create a schedule that allows for both work and leisure. Also, the main thing is to live life properly with discipline and obedience. 

Can you describe any specific measures or programs that your institution has implemented to address the rising mental health issues and stress among students in India?

Our institutions have counseling centers staffed with mental health professionals who provide individual and group counseling sessions. These services are designed to help students cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Creating awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting open conversations about well-being will be helpful for students in their life and work balance.

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What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in higher education administration and how do you see the field evolving in the years to come?

My strong advice is to obtain the necessary educational qualifications, such as a master's or doctoral degree in higher education administration, educational leadership, or a related field. Additionally, seek out internships or entry-level positions in higher education institutions to gain practical experience.Higher education administrators often need strong leadership and management skills. Develop these skills through experiences in project management, team leadership, and decision-making. Consider taking leadership development courses or workshops.

What new initiatives and collaborations has the University established with Industry Leaders to promote industry-specific courses?

In our college, we have too many initiatives and we encourage new ideas. Establishing internship and cooperative education programs with industry partners allows students to gain practical experience, and it helps bridge the gap between academia and real-world industry needs. Inviting industry leaders to deliver guest lectures, workshops, or seminars provides students with insights into real-world challenges and solutions. It also fosters direct interaction between students and professionals.

What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education administration, and what drew you to your current role as a Dean?

Mainly, education itself is a guide to growing ourselves. My motive is never to stop learning. We must keep on learning with that concept. I pursued my higher education and am still learning new things from every aspect. As a Dean, I loved this position because with this we have a chance to guide and Motivate the students to their career building.