Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Prof Rakesh Singhai, the founding director of Shivpuri Institute of Technology (SIT) – a constituent institute of RGPV, has been appointed as the new vice chancellor of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), a Grade A+ accredited university in the state. The order was issued by the Chancellor of state universities, Maghubai Patel on Saturday marking the start of Singhai’s four-year tenure at the helm of one of the region's leading educational institutions.
A native of Jabalpur, Prof Singhai brings with him an extensive academic background. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics and Communication) from a local college and went on to earn his MTech and PhD from IIT Delhi. His teaching career began as a lecturer at the Government Engineering College, Bhopal, which was later upgraded to Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV). In 2020, he took on the role of founding director at SIT, a newly established institution.
Eyes Grade A++ accreditation from NAAC
Talking to Free Press over phone, Singhai expressed his excitement about his new role, emphasizing his commitment to further enhancing DAVV's academic reputation. "I am extremely happy that I have been made VC of one of the leading universities of the state. I will work closely with the teachers, officers, and employees to take the university to newer heights," he stated.
Among his top priorities, Singhai highlighted the goal of securing an Grade A++ accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). “I will form a task force to identify shortcomings and address them so that DAVV can achieve the top rating from NAAC,” he added.
Renu Jain leaves behind 21 years legacy
Singhai succeeds Prof Renu Jain, whose tenure concluded on September 28. Jain, the first woman to serve as VC of DAVV, leaves behind a legacy as the first vice chancellor in 21 years to complete her term. She served through a transitional period under the university's Section 52 mandate and then completed a full four-year term, marking a significant chapter in DAVV’s history.
Jain will remain in chair till new VC assumes charge.
As the new VC, Singhai’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of growth and academic excellence for the university.
