Dr. V. Murugesh is the HOD of the Department of Civil at JCT College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. He has pursued a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Kumaraguru College of Technology, an M.E., and a Ph.D. from Karpagam University. He has also earned a doctorate of science from Manipur International State University. He has more than 18 years of work experience and has worked in some of the prestigious engineering colleges around the country. Besides that, he received the Research Excellence Award in 2021 and has published many research papers in national and international journals. Furthermore, he has also authored a book on Vasthu Shastra and Plan.

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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?

A strong dedication to motivating pupils and cultivating a lifetime love of learning is fuelled by a passion for both teaching and learning. This commitment is motivated by the great chance to mold and impact upcoming leaders, assisting them in developing into competent, kind people. Collaboration and community are vital in the educational setting because they give both students and teachers a feeling of community and promote teamwork. By being innovative and conducting research, educators can investigate state-of-the-art techniques and further the field. By keeping them up to date on new developments, educators are more effective and adaptable. This is made possible by ongoing professional development. By fulfilling their social obligation, educators provide high-quality, inclusive education, which advances society. Furthermore, the capacity to guide peers and impact academic regulations emphasizes the revolutionary potential of leadership in molding the course of education.

Being the Head of the Department, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style, as the chairman of the Civil Engineering Department, is based on several fundamental ideas. My strategy is centered on empowerment because I think it's important to provide team members with the tools and freedom they need to perform well in their positions. Working together is just as important since it encourages candid communication and a sense of unity among all participants. Supporting fresh concepts and methods promotes innovation, and accountability keeps the department's internal processes honest and transparent. Furthermore, I am committed to my team's and my own continuing professional development, making it a top priority.

I have a transformative leadership style that is defined by setting an example, emphasizing inspiration, and providing tailored support. I aim to inspire the group to realize their maximum capabilities and synchronize their endeavors with the department's objectives. Individual strengths are taken into account while providing personalized assistance. I also demonstrate the worth of good work ethics and principles by living according to them. I encourage creativity by providing a secure space for experimenting and by rewarding creative thinking. In the end, my strategy seeks to create a supportive, welcoming, and cooperative environment that encourages excellence in both teaching and research.

How do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your school?

In my capacity as the department head, I prioritize numerous important areas in my strategy for important marketing and administrative plans and initiatives. Program development is a top emphasis, to develop cutting-edge, pertinent curricula that satisfy both student interests and industry demands. Stakeholder engagement is essential; it entails working with alumni, industry partners, and the community to raise program awareness and generate worthwhile possibilities. Marketing campaigns make use of social media, digital platforms, and events to showcase our accomplishments and successfully market our programs. Regarding student recruitment, we employ focused tactics to draw in a varied and gifted student body. Maintaining the reputation of the school requires quality assurance, which makes sure that our faculty, resources, and curriculum all live up to the highest expectations. We streamline procedures to more effectively support and manage resources to increase administrative efficiency. Lastly, we set up feedback systems to regularly collect feedback from instructors and students, allowing us to improve and improve our services and programs.

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?

Many advantages are available to international students studying at our institution, which improves their educational experience. We offer exposure to a wide and adaptable range of courses through our diverse curriculum, which blends academic knowledge with real-world application. Along with cultural enrichment, students gain insight into India's varied socioeconomic landscape and rich cultural legacy. The institute provides excellent research opportunities, such as working with top specialists and having access to state-of-the-art facilities. Strong ties with local firms strengthen industry connections and make internships and job placements easier. Furthermore, we prioritize holistic development, emphasizing the development of the whole person through extracurricular activities and training in soft skills. Engaging with a heterogeneous student population facilitates the development of a global perspective, increasing intercultural comprehension and an expanded worldview. Finally, compared to many overseas universities, students can obtain high-quality instruction at a lower cost with cost-effective education.

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How does the curriculum of the college ensure the best practices of industry?

Through several calculated steps, the curriculum of JCT College/University is created to guarantee industry best practices. One of our pillars is industry collaboration; to create and update course content according to current industry requirements, we collaborate with top businesses. Practical training is prioritized, with chances for co-ops, internships, and practical projects that offer real-world experience. Our knowledgeable faculty members enhance the learning process with their wealth of industry expertise and ongoing involvement in their domains. We make use of new technology by employing cutting-edge laboratories and apparatus that closely resemble industrial settings. We also improve learning with workshops and seminars, which include guest lectures and sessions by professionals in the sector who present the most recent trends and insightful information. Relevant professional groups have acknowledged our accredited programs, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards. Finally, to maintain the curriculum's relevance and innovation and guarantee that our students are adequately equipped for the needs of their chosen areas, we incorporate continuous feedback from alumni and industry partners.

Any insights into how your university could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

We are putting a variety of inclusive ideas into practice to make our university more hospitable to students from diverse racial or socioeconomic backgrounds. Diversity programs are designed to foster respect and understanding of different cultures around the university. To assist students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and lower financial barriers to study, we are expanding financial aid alternatives and scholarships. Our mentorship programs are meant to help students from a variety of backgrounds thrive both academically and personally by offering advice and support. We assist cultural centers and groups that enhance the campus experience by honoring and promoting diversity. The inclusive curriculum incorporates social justice themes and a range of perspectives to make sure that every student sees their experiences represented in their education. We provide customized support services, such as career guidance and counseling, to meet the specific requirements of our varied student body. Involvement of the community is promoted through inclusive events and initiatives that foster a friendly and cohesive campus community. Staff and professors receive cultural competency training to improve their capacity to assist and engage with students from diverse backgrounds. We guarantee that campus facilities are open to and accommodating of every student. Lastly, transparent communication lines are kept available, enabling students to freely share their opinions and concerns and making sure their views are respected and heard.

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

My duties and responsibilities to the institute and students as the Head of the Civil Engineering Department are diverse and essential to the department's success. The role of academic leadership entails supervising the creation, execution, and ongoing enhancement of the civil engineering curriculum to guarantee that it conforms to both academic excellence and industrial requirements. Faculty management consists of hiring, assisting, and supervising academic staff members while cultivating a team-oriented atmosphere that advances professional growth, research, and instruction. I'm dedicated to supporting students, offering advice on matters academic and professional, and setting up possibilities for research projects and internships. Another crucial duty I have is budget management, in which I supervise the department's finances and make sure funds are used wisely to support departmental, teaching, and research initiatives. Undertaking quality assurance procedures guarantees that administrative and academic requirements are fulfilled regularly. Creating outreach initiatives and support services as part of student recruitment and retention tactics aids in drawing in and keeping a diverse student body.

When you first came to JCT College, what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

My initial vision for JCT College was focused on a few main objectives when I initially started working there. Academic excellence was the main goal—to make JCT College a preeminent establishment renowned for its cutting-edge teaching techniques, creative curricula, and high academic standards. Research and innovation were also top goals, with plans to develop industrial relationships, encourage interdisciplinary initiatives, and invest in infrastructure to promote a strong research culture. Improving job development options, comprehensive education, and support services were all critical components of student success. Furthermore, industry and community engagement was critical in fostering relationships with the local business community and community, guaranteeing significant contributions to the growth of the area, and giving students real-world experience.

Regarding execution, we have achieved noteworthy progress. The curriculum has been revised to incorporate real-world training opportunities and take into account current industry trends. Research initiatives have grown thanks to improved industry partnerships, more financing, and new facilities. There has been an improvement in student support services and career development programs, which has increased success and happiness. We have formed solid community engagement partnerships and implemented significant infrastructure upgrades. Even though there is still more to be done, we have come a long way and will keep changing to better serve the needs of our community, teachers, and students.