- Designed and implemented strong academic systems centered on responsibility, inclusion, and innovation.
- Designed outcome-driven curriculum frameworks aligned with key industry problem statements, fostering community engagement through innovation, research, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Led NBA-accredited programs across multiple domains & Contributed to NAAC A+ and A++ institutional recognitions
- Supervised 15 PhD scholars (Anna University) & Published 40+ Scopus-indexed papers with an h-index of 14
- Conducted numerous national and international workshops, empowering a wide community of faculty members and researchers through capacity-building, quality enhancement, and academic innovation.
Dr. Karthikeyan Natesapillai
Director - IQAC
Profile
Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI
In AI driven Dynamic World besides Automation, and digitalisation, one human skill remains truly essential — Strategic thinking. While AI can create reports, improve systems, and analyse data, it cannot set priorities based on values, bring people together, solve complex problems, or imagine future possibilities. These are the roles of strategic leadership — and they are more important than ever.
As this shift continues, institutions need leaders who combine tech-savviness with long-term vision — those who can use digital tools effectively while keeping a strong focus on people and purpose. In this setting, the role of Director–IQAC is not just about compliance but about being a key driver of change and growth for the institution.
A Leadership Journey Aligned with National Vision
With over 26 years of experience in higher education, both in India and abroad, the focus has always been on aligning academic goals with key national initiatives such as NEP 2020, Viksit Bharat@2047, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This leadership approach is built on designing inclusive, outcome-based education that connects Gen Y and Gen Z, while promoting innovation and sustainability at every level.
Current and Past Institutional Roles
Currently working as Director–IQAC at Sharda University (2025–present), I aim at alignment of the Universitys vision with national priorities using clear quality measures, digital systems, and academic models that meet global standards. My previous roles included; Director–IQAC at Chandigarh University (2024–2025), where audit systems and quality practices were developed across the institution, and as Dean–IQAC at SNS Group of Institutions (2018–2024), where institutional and programme level accreditations were successfully led in the groups.
Key Accomplishments:
Leadership with Purpose
At the core of this leadership style is the belief that success in the age of AI is not just about rankings or facilities, but about vision, values, and the ability to think ahead. In this view, the IQAC is not just a compliance office but a catalyst — turning national policies into real academic impact, blending technology with human insight, and creating a strong, future-ready learning environment for everyone involved.
May every learner, teacher, and leader rise with clarity, act with courage, and grow with grace. Let our institutions become spaces where wisdom meets action, and purpose drives progress.
“Let us be our own strength — lifting ourselves and others through knowledge, character, and compassionate leadership”.