Mahindra University, Vice - Chancellor: Dr.Yajulu Medury Interview

Dr. Yajulu Medury is the founding Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University. He brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to his role, driving the university towards excellence and distinction. He holds a prestigious B.Tech. Honors degree from IIT, Kharagpur, and completed his MS and PhD in Engineering Mechanics at the esteemed University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.

With an academic journey spanning more than three decades, Dr. Medury is known for successfully establishing three universities (two state and one deemed) between the years 2001 and 2003. Before joining Mahindra University, he was the Vice-Chancellor of Bennett University in Greater Noida. During his tenure at Bennett University, he developed academic partnerships with Georgia Tech for Engineering, Johnson Business Cornell University for Management, Cornell Law School for Law, Babson College USA for Entrepreneurship and others. Immediately before that, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, the Founding Vice-Chancellor of VIT University, Vellore, and the Chairman and Managing Director of Educational Consultants of India Limited, a public sector undertaking of the Government of India. Dr. Yajulu has authored over 50 publications that have garnered significant recognition and have been widely disseminated in national and international journals and conferences.

You have worked in various prestigious institutions and corporate organizations throughout your career. What is something about Mahindra University that excited you to come along with the institution in the journey?

My decision to embark on this transformative journey with Mahindra University is deeply rooted in the institution's innovative vision and unwavering commitment to higher education. Mahindra University's unique blend of academic rigour and practical application sets it apart in the educational landscape. The institution's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and experiential learning aligns seamlessly with my own pedagogical philosophy, which seeks to foster holistic development and prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Moreover, Mahindra University's strong industry connections and collaborative ethos provide an unparalleled platform for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This aligns harmoniously with my personal belief in the vital role academia plays in driving socio-economic progress through innovation and sustainable practices. In essence, it is the convergence of these factors—Mahindra University's vision, its commitment to holistic education, and its dedication to innovation and industry engagement that has inspired me to join this institution's journey.

How do you balance the academic needs of students and administration at the same time as a Vice-Chancellor?

Balancing the intricate interplay between the academic needs of our students and the administrative responsibilities inherent to the role of a Vice-Chancellor represents a multifaceted endeavour that demands strategic foresight, effective communication, and a profound commitment to the overarching mission of higher education. My approach revolves around fostering a culture of collaboration and synergy among various stakeholders within the academic community. By engaging in open dialogues with faculty, students, staff, and administrative personnel, I endeavour to understand the unique challenges and aspirations of each group. Furthermore, I firmly believe in the imperative of data-informed decision-making. Rigorous data analysis, encompassing academic performance metrics, resource allocation, and feedback mechanisms, enables me to make judicious choices that strike an equitable balance between academic pursuits and administrative exigencies. I also champion initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. Establishing clear channels of communication, disseminating information, and soliciting input from all stakeholders instils a sense of inclusivity and trust. By setting clear goals and delineating actionable strategies, I try to create a roadmap that elucidates the symbiotic relationship between academic excellence and effective administration.

We are in times where the dynamics of education and industries are rapidly changing. How would you ensure that the appropriate required changes are incorporated into the curriculum of the programs offered by the institution?

Adapting to changing dynamics is essential. At Mahindra University, we foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. We have established close collaborations with industry leaders and maintain strong industry-academia partnerships to understand evolving industry needs. We also encourage faculty to engage in research and professional development, ensuring that our curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant. Driven by an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, we regularly conduct comprehensive reviews of our curriculum. These assessments are carried out by a team of experienced educators, industry experts, and stakeholders who collectively evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of our programs. Recognising the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, we maintain robust partnerships with key players in various sectors. Through industry collaborations, our faculty gain firsthand insights into the evolving demands of the job market, thus informing curriculum enhancements. Furthermore, these partnerships often lead to internship opportunities, collaborative research projects, and guest lectures, enriching the educational experience. Understanding the rapid pace of change in today's world, we have designed our curriculum structures to be flexible and adaptable. Our students are valuable stakeholders in shaping their educational journey. We actively solicit their feedback and input through regular surveys, focus groups, and advisory committees.

What is your main emphasis, in order to make Mahindra University stand out and excel in all ways compared to all the other existing institutions in the country?

To distinguish Mahindra University and catalyze its ascendancy above the existing tapestry of educational institutions within the nation, my paramount focus is steadfastly oriented towards a multifaceted strategic framework encompassing academic excellence, innovative pedagogical paradigms, transformative research endeavours, and holistic student development. Our pursuit of academic excellence shall be underpinned by the recruitment of exceptional faculty members hailing from diverse global backgrounds who are not only stalwarts in their respective domains but also possess an ardent commitment to nurturing the intellectual acumen of our students. Rigorous curriculum design, imbued with cutting-edge knowledge dissemination methodologies, will be crafted to engender a culture of critical inquiry and lifelong learning. In tandem, fostering a dynamic and vibrant research ecosystem will constitute another pillar of our endeavour. Mahindra University shall serve as an incubator for pioneering research efforts, seeking solutions to the most pressing societal challenges and pushing the boundaries of knowledge creation. Furthermore, an unwavering dedication to holistic student development will be at the core of our educational philosophy. A robust array of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, mentorship programs, and a nurturing campus environment shall be cultivated to facilitate not only academic growth but also the holistic development of character, leadership, and ethical values.

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Can you describe what is the challenging part of being in a Vice-Chancellor role, and how you successfully manage it?

One of the most formidable challenges in this capacity is the intricate task of balancing the diverse and often conflicting demands of various stakeholders, such as faculty, students, administrative staff, governing bodies, and the broader community. Navigating these intricate webs of expectations necessitates an acute sense of diplomacy, adept communication skills, and a profound commitment to fostering a harmonious academic ecosystem. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving landscape of education, characterized by technological advancements, changing pedagogical paradigms, and the global expansion of knowledge networks, presents an ongoing challenge. Staying abreast of these transformations and aligning the institution's strategies with emerging trends is an imperative facet of the Vice-Chancellor's role. The Vice-Chancellor's role is not merely administrative; it is one that demands visionary leadership and the capacity to inspire and mobilize the academic community towards a common aspiration. By adhering to the principles of transparency, adaptability, and strategic acumen, a leader can successfully navigate the intricate challenges inherent in this esteemed position and steer the institution towards greater heights of academic excellence and relevance in the 21st century.

How does Mahindra University leverage the use of the latest technology for teaching methods to give effective learning experiences to the students?

Mahindra University, underpinned by its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation, is steadfast in its pursuit of leveraging cutting-edge technology to orchestrate pedagogical paradigms that bestow upon its students profoundly effective learning experiences. At the vanguard of this technological transformation is the university's investment in smart classrooms, replete with interactive whiteboards, high-resolution displays, and immersive audio-visual equipment. Furthermore, the university places immense emphasis on the integration of technology into the curriculum through e-learning platforms and virtual labs. Complementing these infrastructure investments is the astute utilisation of data analytics and artificial intelligence to tailor learning experiences for individual students. Additionally, Mahindra University takes a proactive stance in adapting to emergent technologies. It routinely collaborates with industry partners, conducts research in pedagogical technology, and ensures that its faculty undergo continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of pedagogical innovation.

What are the norms or the particular strategies you follow when you're hiring faculty into the organization?

When contemplating the recruitment of faculty members into our esteemed organisation, we judiciously adhere to a multifaceted set of norms and strategies meticulously designed to ensure the acquisition of individuals who not only possess exceptional academic prowess but also exhibit a profound commitment to our institution's overarching mission and values. Prior to commencing the recruitment process, we engage in an exhaustive assessment of our institutional requirements, taking into consideration our academic programmes, research thrusts, and the evolving educational landscape. We embrace an inclusive and open approach to soliciting applications, disseminating vacancies across diverse platforms, and encouraging candidates from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences to express their interest. A critical facet of our selection process lies in the formulation of stringent screening criteria that are meticulously aligned with our organisational objectives. These criteria encompass not only academic qualifications but also pedagogical proficiency, research acumen, and a propensity for community engagement. Shortlisted candidates undergo a multifaceted evaluation process, comprising peer reviews, teaching demonstrations, research presentations, and in-depth interviews. An integral facet of our recruitment strategy involves evaluating a candidate's alignment with our institutional culture and values, including a dedication to inclusivity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Cultural fit is accorded substantial weight in our final deliberations.

What is your vision for the future as a Vice-Chancellor of Mahindra University, in terms of enhancing the higher education offerings and improving the quality of the institution?

My vision for the future of this esteemed institution is predicated upon a commitment to ushering in a transformative era of higher education excellence. Central to this vision is the confluence of innovation, inclusivity, and academic rigour, all of which coalesce to fortify Mahindra University's standing on the global higher education stage. In the pursuit of enhancing our higher education offerings, I am firmly dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that champions multidisciplinary scholarship, where traditional silos of knowledge dissolve, allowing for the synthesis of ideas across disciplines. This approach is pivotal in addressing the complex challenges of our times, and I envision the creation of specialised research centres and collaborative platforms that will serve as incubators of interdisciplinary excellence. Mahindra University places emphasis on experiential learning, where students are actively engaged in real-world problem-solving, fostering not only a profound understanding of their chosen fields but also the skills necessary for adaptability and innovation. Our curricula is dynamic, aligning with industry trends and global developments, ensuring our graduates are not only academically proficient but also well-equipped to navigate an ever-evolving professional landscape.