New Delhi: St Stephen’s College on Monday entered a new chapter in its 145-year history as Professor Susan Elias assumed office as the institution’s first woman principal, despite objections raised by the University of Delhi (DU) over the appointment process.
Professor Elias, a distinguished academic in computer science and artificial intelligence, took charge as the 14th principal of the college, succeeding John Varghese. Her appointment was announced by the college’s Supreme Council in May and was widely hailed as a landmark moment for one of India’s most prestigious higher education institutions.
The appointment, however, has been at the centre of a dispute between St Stephen’s College and Delhi University. DU had directed the college to halt the appointment process, alleging that the selection committee constituted for the principal’s selection did
not comply with University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The university subsequently sought intervention from the UGC.
College authorities have maintained that, as a minority institution, St Stephen’s enjoys autonomy in matters relating to appointments and governance. Officials associated with the college cited past court rulings that recognised the institution’s special status in the appointment of principals.
Sources within the college had earlier indicated that Elias would assume office on June 1 in accordance with the notification issued on May 12, regardless of the university’s objections.
Elias brings more than three decades of academic and administrative experience. Before her appointment, she served briefly as Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) at Chandigarh University and earlier held leadership positions at the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science. Her areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, computer science and quantum computing.
Her appointment has been welcomed by many alumni and academics, who view it as a significant step toward greater gender representation in leadership positions within higher education. Founded in 1881, St Stephen’s College is among the oldest and most sought-after colleges under the University of Delhi.
The development is also expected to intensify the long-running tussle between the college and Delhi University over issues of governance, autonomy and the extent of regulatory oversight in minority-run educational institutions.