Dr.A.Jothi Murugan
Pro-Chancellor (Planning & Development)

• B.A Degree in Economics from Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, North Arcot District
• Post Graduate Degree in Economics from Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai
• M.Phil
• Ph.D Research Degrees from the University of Madras.

Entered in to teaching profession as Tutor in Economics in Pachaiyappa’s, Chennai in the year 1971. Entered Government service as Assistant Professor of Economics at Govt. Arts College, Cuddalore from 1975 to 1979 and nearly 28 years from 1979 to May 2007 – Presidency College, Chennai. Promoted as Principal in June 2007 and served at Govt. Arts College, Nandanam, Chennai and as Principal at Dr.Ambedkar Govt. College, Vyasarbadi, Chennai. Posted as Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Chennai Region, Chennai and he served in that Administrative post from July 2008 to June 2009. Appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore by his Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu and held the post from September 2009. Presently, serving as Pro-Chancellor (P&D) at Vels University, Pallavaram, Chennai.

During his tenure in the teaching profession, he had 34 years of experience in teaching UG Courses and 28 Years of experience in teaching PG Courses. He had a rich research experience in guiding M.Phil research Scholars for 24 Years and Ph.D research Scholars for 16 Years. Has successfully guided 25 M.Phil Scholars and 10 Ph.D scholars, besides Project Work and M.A Dissertation (300).

• Served as Member in Academic Council, Senate and Syndicate in University of Madras.
• Served as Examiner / Question paper setter in 5 State Universities and 7 Autonomous Colleges for UG and PG Courses.
• Served as Member in the Board of Studies in Various Universities.
• Served as Member in the Selection Committee of Teacher’s Recruitment Board, Chennai.
• Served as Examiner and Subject Expert – TNPSC, Chennai.

• Life Member of Indian Economic Association and the Heart Care Forum of India.
• Life Member in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, Chennai.

• Participated and presented papers in 10 National Level. 15 State Level and 25 College Level Seminars / Workshops / Conferences.
• As the Life Member of Indian Economic Association, he has participated in 15 National Conferences of the Association.

• As Principal, the Academic atmosphere of the Colleges was well maintained and there was no strike or student unrest during his entire tenure.
• Successfully carried out UG & PG Admission as per Govt. order through students counseling. First to complete the process in the State.
• Monday Morning Assembly, unique of its kind in Govt. Colleges (Men) convened throughout the year.
• Organized Free Soft Skill coaching programme for five days for final year UG students.
• Conducted Computer Library programme for Non-Computer UG Students.
• As Regional Joint Director served as a member of the Governing councils and Finance Committee of 15 autonomous colleges in Chennai and had provided valuable suggestions and guidance for the smooth functioning of the colleges.
• Appointed as Vice Chancellor of Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore by his Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu and during his tenure took various steps for the growth and improvement of the University.
• Four new departments had been established viz., Tamil, English, Mathematics and Biotechnology.
• Established a PG Extension Centre at Villupuram to offer four PG Courses for the benefit of rural students.
• Established four constituent colleges of the University at Thennangur (Thiruvannamalai Dist.) Thirupatur (Vellore Dist.) Thiruvennainallur and Kallakurichi (Villupuram Dist.)

• Started more than 44 programs in the University both UG & PG.
• Introduced Choice Based Credit System
• Organised more than 100 National and International Conferences.
• Established a Common Instrumentation Lab at the cost of Rs.7 Crores for Advanced Research.
• Co-ordinating with several statutory bodies such as UGC, AICTE, BCI, PCI, NCTE, etc., periodically.
• Established a strong Industry Institute Interface centre for collaborative Research
• Monitoring the governance of the University, Board of Management, Academic Council, Finance Committee and Planning and Monitoring Board.
• Introduced more than 75 Value added programs for better job opportunities.
• Established an effective ERP system for Administration
• Conducted successfully Online Teaching and Online Examination since May 2020.
• Periodically organised Faculty Development program
• Introduced Edu Tech, Swayam – MOOC courses as directed by the UGC.
• Responsible for Vels University to get ‘A’ Grade in NAAC
• Successfully got NBA to many programs in Engineering, MBA, Pharmacy and Marine Engineering
• Instruments for getting 12B status for Vels University by UGC

• Member State High Level Committee for Monitoring and Implementation programme – School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu since 2017.
• Member High Level Committee – Selection of Books – Directorate of Library, Chennai 2018 – 2020.
• Chairman, Governing Council, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Nandanam, Chennai.
• Appointed as a Member by the Government of Tamil Nadu in Justice Kalaiyarsan Commission, provision for Government School students to study MBBS Course April – July 2020.
• Appointed as an Expert Committee Member by the Government of Tamil Nadu in School Education, National Education Policy 2020 since September 2020.
• Chairman, Governing Council, Presidency College, Chennai. (2020 – 2022)
• Vice President, Indian Economic Association – Since 2023