Mysuru: Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) has got a new Vice- Chancellor in Prof. S. Vidyashankar, who was appointed by Governor Vajubhai R. Vala.

The Governor-Chancellor passed the order yesterday and the new VC Prof. Vidyashankar, who is Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangalore Institute of Technology, is likely to take charge tomorrow (May 30).

The present KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. D. Shivalingaiah’s tenure ended on Mar.11. However, it was extended till May 31 following the Model Code of Conduct enforced for the Lok Sabha election.

A Search Committee comprising Folklore University Vice- Chancellor Prof. D.B. Nayak, University of Mysore former Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. N. Hegde and NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) Director Dr. S.C. Sharma was constituted to select a new VC. This Committee had shortlisted the names of Karnataka State Open University Education Dean Prof. Jagadish, Bangalore University Zoology Department Professor Dr. M. Ramachandra, University of Mysore Microbiology Department Professor Dr. Ravishankar Rai and Bangalore Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering Department’s Prof. S. Vidyashankar and sent them in a sealed cover to the Governor.

Since according to the rules of KSOU, not less than three names had to be recommended for the appointment of VC, the Search Committee had recommended four names.

Based on the recommendations, the Governor finalised the name of Prof. Vidyashankar and passed an order appointing him as the Vice-Chancellor of KSOU.

According to the notification from the Governor’s Secretariat, Prof. Vidyashankar  has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor for a period of three years with effect from May 30, 2019 or until he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.