Annamalai University gets new Vice-Chancellor

Chennai: Anna University's former professor and a material scientist Professor V.Murugesan has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit has appointed him for a period of three years from the date of his assumption of office, a press release from Raj Bhavan said. "I want to bring back the old glory of Annamalai University," new Vice-Chancellor V.Murugesan told this paper.

"I want to bring the Annamalai University as category-I university to get more autonomy and funding from central agencies. With multi-disciplinary courses it also has the potential to become the Institute of Excellence," he continued.

When asked about the existing financial crisis and the issue of excess staff he said, "I would like to increase the number of funded projects and consultancies given by the university to raise more funds. The excess man power also can be used by extending the current projects and providing self-supporting courses."
He also said he has plans to create network of alumni of the university to seek their help in reviving the university.

An expert in the expert in environmental chemistry, Mr Murugesan has served in the Chemistry department for a period of over 30 years and is also holding several administrative positions including director (research) at Anna University.

He has guided 35 research scholars and has 168 international research papers to his credit. He has received Thomson Reuters Research Excellence award for highest citations. Anna University professors said he has brought in several changes while he was director (research) to increase the research output of the university.

Annamalai University's previous vice-chancellor S.Manian demitted office on May 27. Governor Banwarilal Purohit has appointed the VC search committee headed by Justice C.V.Ramulu, former judge of Andhra Pradhesh in March. The three member committee has scrutinised applications and forwarded three names for the post of Vice-Chancellor.