BHUBANESWAR: Anthropology professor of Delhi University Soumendra Mohan Patnaik has been appointed new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Utkal University. Governor and Chancellor of Universities SC Jamir made an announcement in this regard on Monday.
Patnaik will replace Prof Ashok Das as the VC. He has been teaching Social Anthropology for the last 24 years and is also the current president of Indian Anthropological Association. Patnaik, who was also a visiting faculty member to various international universities including VT Institute for Policy and Governance /Urban Affairs and Planning Virginia Tech University, will take over the position for three years. Sources said, Patnaik is likely to charge take from July-end.
Earlier, a three-member search and selection committee consisting of a member from the university syndicate, University Grants Commission (UGC) and a VC was constituted for the purpose. Former chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati, VC of South Bihar Central University Harish Chandra Singh Rathore and Odisha Skill Development Authority chairperson Subrato Bagchi were members of the committee.
This year, professors Ranjan Kumar Bal, KK Basa and Jayant Kumar Parida of Utkal University had applied for the coveted post.