With an extensive background spanning 27 years in teaching and admissions, coupled with a decade of industrial experience, Dr. D. Venkata Rao brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His contributions include presenting research papers, active participation in seminars,Workshops, and serving as a principal for both MBA and degree colleges. Currently serving as the Director for Avanthi Degree and PG College, he oversees the education of over 100,000 students.
Dr. Rao’s multifaceted experience includes a significant role as chief superintendent of the Examination Branch, where he successfully conducted examinations for Osmania University and government exams. A passionate poet, he has authored two books and chaired two national and international conferences. His commitment to academic enrichment is evident through the organization of guest lectures, industrial visits, and faculty development programs.
In your 27 years of experience in academia, what is something that excited you about Avanthi College, and how was your experience with the institution so far?
I initially began my career as a part-time lecturer at a Government College, dedicating two years to this role. However, my professional path shifted when I transitioned to the position of a finance manager in a private firm. Despite my success in the corporate world, my passion for teaching lured me back. After 11 years, I made the deliberate choice to return to academia, rekindling my love for education.
What kind of steps do you take to ensure that the curriculum and academic pedagogy stay updated and current with the latest trends?
The evolution of our pedagogy is a continuous process, regularly updated to align with emerging technologies and trends deemed important for our students. Guided by a team of lecturers and a distinguished principal, retired from Osmania University, we work collaboratively to integrate and weave necessary changes into our system. As a cohesive team, we ensure our students are well-equipped to confidently tackle the challenges of the ever-changing industry landscape. The success of our approach is evident from the positive feedback received from workplaces where our students, whether through placements or personal endeavours, are consistently recognized as remarkable contributors.
Can you describe what is the challenging part of being in a director of academics role, and how you successfully manage it?
Having served as an academic director, for over 27 years I worked as a teaching faculty in this college, my teaching approach has been instrumental in shaping students for the future. The strong rapport built through commendable teaching allows for effective guidance and moulding. This approach has resulted in consistently achieving above 90% results over the past 27 years, showcasing the highness, quality and excellence of Avanthi College. Our honorable chairman, despite overseeing more than 14 colleges, actively visits our campus almost every week. His dedicated attention and guidance to the faculty have played a crucial role in the remarkable growth of the college. From its humble beginnings with nine students 30 years ago, the college has now flourished into a group of 14 colleges, with over 24,000 students, it portray’s the commitment and vision of the leadership at Avanthi College.
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How do you leverage the use of technology for the teaching methods to give effective learning experiences to the students at Avanthi College?
A significant milestone for our college is consistently being ranked among the top ten colleges by prestigious India Today magazine for over seven consecutive years. This recognition reflects the excellence of our infrastructure facilities and the accreditation status we hold. Our well-experienced faculty continuously updates themselves to align with the evolving needs of society, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the changes and challenges ahead. Additionally, our college boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including well-equipped labs and technology-integrated classrooms, further contributing to our esteemed reputation.
What kind of initiatives have been implemented to encourage the students to be involved in extracurricular activities outside the classroom?
Our focus is on the holistic development of students, led by the experienced Dr. Someshwara Rao sir, who oversees sports development and NSS, along with the presence of NCC. We organize a spectrum of workshops and events to ensure their well-rounded growth. The environment is designed to keep students consistently engaged in various activities, fostering a strong connection with the college. This immersive experience ensures that, by the end of their three-year journey, students feel as if it passed in the blink of an eye due to the dynamic and engaging atmosphere we cultivate.
What is your vision for the coming years as a Director of Academics for the institution?
In my capacity as the Director for Academics, I play a crucial role not only in overseeing academic matters but also in ensuring the financial stability of the college. I actively monitor and ensure smooth financial operations. Collaboration with other departments, including sports, placements, NSS and NCC, is a priority, and I invest considerable time in providing feedback on various activities. This collaborative effort is aimed at fostering a cohesive team environment and working together to excel and steer the college in the right direction.
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