AU alumnus to head US varsity

​Visakhapatnam: An alumnus of Andhra University, Prof Neeli Bendapudi, has become the 18th President of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. She is daughter of Prof T Ramesh Dutta and Prof Padma Dutta, retired professors of English in Andhra University.

Prof Ramesh Dutta was the Founder Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Andhra University. Prof Neeli studied MBA from the Andhra University. According to Dr Challa Ramakrishna, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, AU, Prof Neeli is the first alumnus of Andhra University to hold the prestigious position of President of an American University. Currently she is serving as the Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor of Kansas University, USA.

Neeli Bendapud, Provost and executive Vice -Chancellor at the University of Kansas, was selected after a month-long search that drew more than 50 candidates from across the USA. The Board of Trustees of the University approved her appointment at a special meeting held in USA. She will assume charge on May 15.

“I am deeply honoured and truly excited to join the University of Louisville as its 18th President,” said Bendapudi. “I am looking forward to work with our students, staff, faculty, alumni and community, as one team to deliver our promise of excellent higher education. I know we have a bright future ahead at University of Louisville,” Neeli said.