Prof. D. Suneel, a distinguished academician and a seasoned Mechanical Professor is the Vice-Principal in Narasaraopeta Engineering College, Narasaraopet. He received his doctorate degree from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India in 2010. His current teaching and research interests include Metal Cutting and Machine Tool Design, Engineering Mechanics, Metal Matrix Nanocomposites, Nanofluids, Nanocoatings, Polymer Nanocomposites, and Nanomaterials. He has published more than thirty research papers in reputed National and International journals/conferences and also, has authored a couple of books published by Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany. He also published 20 Design Patents and filed 02 innovation patents with Govt. of India. Further, he has guided 10 B.Tech and 4 M.Tech projects. As a prolific professional, he has got 21 years of teaching experience in engineering education and ratified as a Professor in 2015 by JNTUK, Kakinada. He joined Narasaraopeta Engineering College as the head of the Mechanical Engineering Department in April 2012, represented the department of Mechanical Engineering before NBA, NAAC and autonomous committees and contributed for the success of same. Before joining Narasaraopeta Engineering College he had worked at various levels in GITAM University and KL University. In 2016 he became the Dean- Academics and took care of Academic Affairs as well as nurtured new programmes for the exponential growth and development of the Institution in all respects. He is an accomplished Research Scholar and instrumental in getting the Research Recognition Center for Mechanical Department granted by JNTUK-Kakinada. He has attended twelve Workshops and Training programmes at institutes of national repute like IIT-Kanpur etc. He is a Life Member of Institution of Engineers, ISTE and MRSI. He delivered expert lectures on Nano materials at neighboring colleges and also organized a 3-Day National workshop on “Characterization and Synthesis of Nanomaterials” as a Co-Coordinator 2010 at KL University. He acted as a convener of the International Conference (NECICRTME-2K15) organized during 20 & 21st November 2015 in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NEC, Narasaraopet. 

Narasaraopeta Engineering College

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Working in education sector gives people the chance to interact with a wide variety of themes and topics, stimulating the intellect and keeping the mind active. For educators and other education professionals, seeing kids flourish and progress can be quite gratifying, strengthening their dedication to the job.

Being the Vice Principal of Narasaraopeta Engineering College, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy focuses on building a supportive and empowering atmosphere that encourages excellence, creativity, and personal development. As a leader in the education field, I put a lot of emphasis on the accomplishments and wellbeing of faculty, staff, and students. I think it’s important to set an example, communicate openly, and promote group decision-making. I have a collaborative and transformational leadership style. I think that the best way to achieve agreement, tap into our collective wisdom, and promote constructive change is to collaborate closely with academics, staff, students, and other stakeholders.

Being the Vice Principal of Narasaraopeta Engineering College, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your institute?

The approaches can be modified to meet the individual objectives, constraints, and difficulties of the college. Here are some actions to think about: Conduct a thorough analysis of the college’s present marketing and management procedures, as well as their strengths, shortcomings, opportunities, and threats. Determine the areas where the college needs to improve and those where it performs best. Clearly state the marketing and administrative goals and objectives. The colleges reputation may be improved, faculty and staff retention may be improved, administrative procedures may be optimised, and so on. Determine who the college’s marketing efforts are aimed at. Prospective students, parents, alumni, future teachers and staff members, business partners, and other stakeholders may be included in this.

The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your university?

In our university, an undergraduate degree can be earned at a reasonable price, we have comforting setting for our students. Also, our college comprises courses with a focus on a student’s strengths. 

How does the curriculum of NARASARAOPETA ENGINEERING COLLEGE ensure the best practice of industry?

The following tactics are frequently used by Narasaraopeta Engineering College to guarantee the best practices of the sector: partnerships with industry, industrial visits and internships, guest lectures and workshops, curriculum reviews and advisory boards, projects and case studies, industrial visits and internships, etc. Industrial Certification Programmes, Skill-Based Training, and Entrepreneurship Development. 

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the University and the students are?

My role and responsibility towards the students include academic support, tutoring and study aid, programming and technical help, continuous improvement, accessibility and information and learning resource. My role should be viewed as an addition to conventional teaching strategies, increasing the learning environment as a whole.

What do you think should be the institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

Making investments in R&D to stay on the cutting edge of technology, especially in fields like biotechnology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing. Giving education and training programmes top priority in order to provide the future workforce with the skills they’ll need in a labor market that is changing quickly. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship both internally and outside to encourage fresh concepts and help them materialize into useful applications and profitable ventures.

When you first came to this college, what was your vision for the university?

In 2011, I came to the institute. Our institute rapidly grown in its infrastructure and grown from an affiliated college to an autonomous one. With the 25 years of academic excellence we have no doubt in next couple of years to become a university. 

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

College Rankings, Lifelong Learning, Project Assistance, Industrial Visits, Internships, College News Letter, Faculty Achievements, Campus Placements, Good Governance, Practices for slow learners, Infrastructure beyond curriculum etc.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths?

Good governance, able administration, strong faculty and supporting staff, good retentions of faculty and staff, accreditations like NAAC, NBA and NIRF. Rankings by several agencies like WEEK, INDIA TODAY, CAREERS 360, TIMES etc. Funding from UGC, AICTE, DST towards research. 25 Years of Academic Excellence, Good Placements, Good Publications by Faculty, Great Encouragement for students for doing live projects and sponsorships. Good number of placements, Industrial Tours, Internships, College Festivals like Tech Fests, Annual Days etc. Lush Green Campus. 45 Acres of spacious academic area, Play fields, in campus hostels, GYM, Clubs, Professional Societies etc.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for NEC specifically?

Rapid technological change, the gap between industry and academia, faculty training and quality, a lack of research and innovation, infrastructure and labs, internship and placement opportunities, gender imbalance, accreditation and quality assurance are some of the challenges facing engineering colleges in particular.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Judicious usage of social media, setting clear goals, time management, balanced technology usage, building soft skills, empathy towards others, responsible citizenship, focus on personal well being etc.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for the college’s international affairs and/or students?

Providing language support services, study abroad fairs and events, dual degree programmes, internship and co-op opportunities, international conferences and workshops, cultural integration programmes, international alumni networks, financial aid, scholarships, and more are all available internationally.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in your institute/ university?

I believe that the following practices establish healthy relation and environment in the institute. Establish a code of conduct, set an example by doing so, encourage open communication, give everyone the same opportunity, be impartial, and so on.