The newly-formed Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam University will be developed into a prestigious new generation varsity by giving due importance to e-learning, research and by having tie-ups with foreign universities, said its Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rokkam Sudarshana Rao.
“In the first place, I am happy to head the educational institution named after the freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of Andhra State,” said Mr. Rao, in a conversation with The Hindu , a day after the State government promulgated an order giving additional charge of the higher educational institution to him. He also heads the Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU).
“My immediate goal is to create infrastructure, appoint faculty members and fill gaps in courses offered at the existing P.G.Centre of the Acharya Nagarjuna University,” he said. “We will go for new non-conventional courses in consultation with captains of industry to improve the employability of students on completion of courses. Tapping funds from the University Grants Commission and the State government, advanced research centres would be set up and more courses relevant to the region started,” he unveiled his vision.
Joint programmes
The VSU was collaborating with Bangi-based National University of Malaysia in the areas of engineering, science and technology, innovation, social sciences and humanities and planned to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the University of Malawi, Zomba in March. Students of the newly set up university would also be benefited from the joint education programmes planned with the two foreign varsities as the facilities and educational programmes at the VSC would be replicated in the Ongole-based varsity, he added.
ANU Ongole campus staff led by Prof. Harsha Preetam Dev welcomed his appointment as the first Vice-Chancellor of the varsity.
