Dr. Boby Jose is the Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri. He had pursued an MSc. in Zoology from SB College, Changanaserry, and a Ph.D. from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. He has done specialization in ornithology and ecology and also qualified for the CSIR-JRF in 1991. Additionally, he has almost 32 years of experience teaching at the postgraduate level and is also a member of the UG and PG broad of studies in science faculty at the University of Calicut.

Furthermore, he has successfully guided one PhD student to completion and currently supervises two ongoing Ph.D. programs. His notable research includes a UGC-funded project investigating the habitat and group sizes of the Rufous Babbler, Jungle Babbler, and White-headed Babbler, conducted over two years. Beyond his academic excellence, he is a champion in fine arts and achieved the runner-up position at the University Youth Festival for many years.

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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? 

My professional journey is completely a dedicated continuum in the education industry. My experience as a teacher and as an administrator has made me a firm believer in the transformative power of education. I believe that every classroom reflects society and have the conviction that it’s a space not just for shaping individuals but future leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens. Moreover, the education sector is so much of a dynamic landscape, constantly evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving and progressing world. I feel honored to be a part of this great evolution, being in a position contributing to curriculum development, pedagogical innovations, and institutional growth. Above all, what I found at my profession’s core is the privilege of being at the helm of an institution that is actively engaged in shaping young lives and contributing to the better future of this great nation and mankind. This truly is my driving force.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds? 

St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri has always shown a great commitment towards creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. We have made great strides in attracting students from different racial and economic backgrounds through academic excellence, inclusive learning environments, state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced and resourceful teachers, and of course management scholarships, as can be seen from our heterogeneous student populace, which encompasses various Indian ethnicities along with students from other Asian and African countries. The management scholarships have aided so much in the provision of support for disadvantaged students. Moreover, while we commend our scholarship programs, there are options available to us to open more financial aid that include work-study programs or forging collaborations with local entrepreneurs who would provide internships for needy students. We are always committed to ensuring that there is diversity and inclusiveness in our value system. Students from various backgrounds can enhance their respect and knowledge towards each other using these avenues. Regular student evaluations and feedback help us identify areas where improvements are needed. Through their direct involvement in the process of decision-making, we can establish what sort of changes should be introduced if St. Joseph’s College Devagiri is going to become a true home away from home for all its inhabitants.

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students? 

Our college is committed to providing everything possible for the exceptional learning experience of our students that will help them succeed in the twenty-first century. The most important item on our agenda remains giving all of us a global perspective via robust student exchange programs with leading world universities. One notable example is Devagiri’s collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America. These programs are essential, not only because they expose students to different ideas but also because they create intercultural competence, which is an important skill for today’s world where people are so interconnected. Also, we anticipate that international linkages with foreign universities will be developed both for faculty and students’ empowerment needs. Moreover, it should be noted that the college has come up with soon-to-be-implemented plans for making internships mandatory to optimize industry-academia collaboration. Devagiri has one of the best-in-class libraries in the state with state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources. This library is now functioning as a knowledge center and an atmosphere conducive to research and intellectual activities. Further still, changes in our curriculum to include key employability skills and skill-based training are ongoing. We want graduates who are not only bookish but who can work straight away in the workplace. Outside of classwork, other initiatives and efforts are aimed at promoting holistic growth within us as well. These would involve programs on leadership, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. 

What do you think should be the college’s top priority over the next 10 years? 

Our motto ‘Pro Deo Et Patria’ is beyond a simple slogan; it is more of an enduring principle that has characterized St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, for many decades since its inception. For the coming years as well, our priority should remain to raise individuals who completely understand this motto and who could contribute to this great nation and mankind. We must concentrate on growing an inculcating generation of responsible citizens with strong human values and love for their country. This necessitates a comprehensive strategy that combines excellent academic performance, personality development, and a deep sense of community obligation. Also, we are working towards achieving the highest score under the proposed binary accreditation system of NAAC, especially by winning 5 under the maturity-based graded accreditation system, as well as becoming one of the most sought-after international higher education destinations. We want our students to become critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and compassionate human beings. They should have both knowledge and technical competence to excel in their chosen areas, but at the same time, they should be deeply concerned about addressing national problems. Thereby, we will contribute greatly to India's development and shape a brighter future for forthcoming generations. 

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

Making industry-based education a necessity in the present highly competitive world. In this regard, St. Joseph’s College has adopted an integrated approach to reducing the gap between academia and industries. Our Board of Studies plays a crucial role in this regard. We include eminent industry representatives in our syllabi-drafting workshops, which ensures that we keep up with their demands at all times. Their invaluable perceptions help us identify areas that need skills improvement and introduce a modernized curriculum. Additionally, we believe that faculty having industrial experience is key in teaching students practical skills as well as knowledge. A considerable number of our teachers have had exposure to different industries, thus enriching classroom discussions with real-life experiences. Therefore, I reiterate my earlier point that we are attempting to induce more industry linkages, and internships will soon be mandatory for all our students; this will assist them in improving their skill sets. To add to the curriculum, we provide value-added courses for developing technical skills among students. These programs are done after discussing with industrial experts who provide their specification details. Our aim through these initiatives is to produce graduates who are not only academically qualified but also possess the practical skills and attitudes needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

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How does your college prepare students for placements? 

We are providing dedicated training sessions that will help our students master several crucial skill sets required for aptitude tests, group discussions, and interviews, among others. We also have finished school programs to improve their personality and manner of general communication. Industry engagement as part of the Board of Studies and through many other platforms makes sure that what students are being taught is what is expected in the industry today. Together with other aspects, which include practical training by way of internships, projects, and other assignments the students undergo, our students are perfectly prepared for the job market. We currently have a strong and dominant placement record, ensuring that more than 300 students get placed every year with leading Indian as well as global organizations. Our ultimate goal is to foster relations where our students are not left alone in search of an employer but are being hunted out by employers of top-notch organizations.

Do you have any extracurricular activities or programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges? 

Our students’ comprehensive development is of paramount importance to us, and that is why extracurricular activities are of extreme significance. The students can diversify themselves through various clubs and forums that are functioning at our college. Starting from the trained discipline of NCC and NSS units to the enrichment through quiz clubs, our students have various avenues to enchant their interests. ED Club and social extension programs foster the students’ creativity, accountability, social commitment, and leadership. We have one of the best sports facilities in the state with a full-size football field and an athletic track, besides having an ultra-modern indoor sports stadium. Consistently, our students tend to clinch prizes at university, state, national and international stages. To our glory, we have produced Olympians—Mr. K. T. Irfan and Noah Nirmal Tom—who are embodiments of pride for the nation. Also, our annual management festl NIRVANA gives the students a chance to prove their managerial skills, innovative thinking, and spirit of togetherness at a national level. Many participants enroll from different parts of the country; hence, our students get a chance to interface with people from different views, and at the same time, it creates a competitive atmosphere. Through such activities, we hope that our students will be able to acquire all-round skills that are not only academic but that can enable them to cope with real-life challenges.

How does the department/college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

Quality of HR is a prerequisite for an effective educational process. At St. Joseph’s College, faculty development is an important policy since our faculty members are expected to be at par with the prevailing trends in their areas of specialty. Devagiri has a well-established procedure that ensures the skill improvement of our faculty. This includes FDPs, short-term courses, industrial training, interaction with industries, and mentoring to enrich their knowledge base and skills. Another way of enhancing this continuous learning is by extending monetary support for them to pursue specialized training. We also ensure faculty exposure to industry and their best practices. Thus, outbound training sessions and industrial visits, along with interaction with professionals in their field of specialization, are arranged to facilitate a better understanding and to overcome the gap between the theoretical knowledge of the faculty and its practical applications. 

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

In this context, it may be quoted that St. Joseph’s College Devagiri is one of the brightest stars that adorn the sky of higher education. The college was established in the year 1956 to mark the need for higher education in the Malabar region of Kerala and nearly seven decades. Our college holds the pride of being the best in the education map of Kerala. We are the first college in the country to be awarded the prestigious NAAC A++ in the year 2016. The stability of our performance is evident by the NIRF Ranking 59 in 2023 which puts us in the list of the best colleges in India. This is something that speaks volumes of the institution’s consistent and firm stand on education quality, character development, and community advancement. I feel like this legacy and value system itself is our strength. Devagiri’s commitment to this great nation is wholeheartedly taken up by our teaching fraternity and that itself gives us confidence to take up more challenging strides. 

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

Before you step out into the world, I would like you to take with you the motto of our college, ‘Pro Deo et Patria’ meaning for God and country. Make this fact clear: success is not only getting ahead and high with your own life but also your ability to bring a positive change in this world. Develop good moral values from your faith. Honesty, understanding, and kindness are very critical in anyone’s life, be it personal, family, or working environment. Be lifelong readers; be keen on acquiring new knowledge and experience. While one must cultivate a high standard of professional efficiency in the selected area, it is equally important not to let the big picture out of one’s sight. In providing self-direction and accomplishment, one must devote personal strengths to helping society and the country. Be law-abiding citizens to change the lives of our country for the better. My best wishes to each one of you.