SRM University, AP – Andhra Pradesh on July 1 welcomed their new Vice-Chancellor Prof Vajja Sambasiva Rao. Prof V.S. Rao. An eminent academician who has been the vanguard of leading excellence in higher technical education in India, he is an alumnus of BITS, Pilani and the University of Bielefeld, Germany. Prof Rao previously served as the President of NIIT University and Acting Vice-Chancellor and Director at BITS, Pilani.

Dr P. Satyanarayanan, the President of the SRM University – AP, noted, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor V. S. Rao as the new Vice-Chancellor of SRM University-AP. Dr VS Rao is a renowned academician with over four decades of experience in Academics and Administration. I am optimistic that his strategic and operational skills combined with his deep knowledge in academic research, will help SRM AP scale greater heights in its pursuit to be a truly global research-intensive educational institution.”

Prof D. Narayana Rao, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University said, “Prof VS Rao, an institution builder, has developed BITS, Hyderabad as a highly reputed institution in a short time. With his rich and vast experience at BITS – Pilani and also as the Director, BITS Hyderabad, I am sure that he will take SRM University – AP to greater heights.”

Prof Rao said, “I am looking forward to contributing to the internationally acclaimed SRM Group, through my best efforts. We at SRMAP would like to see that every student graduating from here would be industry-ready, and get numerous opportunities during their career. I consider myself fortunate to have this opportunity to be part of such an excellent institution in the sphere of higher education, that has been delivering quality teaching and learning, and research relevant to the society.”

During his career spanning over forty-two years, Prof V. S. Rao has made significant contributions in the arena of education. As the President of NIIT University (NU), Neemrana, Rajasthan, he has led many initiatives at NU starting from curriculum innovations, faculty expansion and development to the introduction of new Programmes and digital learning. He apprehended the importance of Industry linkage with academia and committed to upholding it. Prior to joining NU, Prof V. S. Rao had a vigorous association with BITS, Pilani for over 44 years including six years of his Graduation.

His research interest included synthetic organic chemistry, natural product research, green chemistry etc. He has guided four PhD students and published several research papers in reputed journals. His passion for teaching has earned accolades from several batches of BITS students.