By Thomas Scaria
Mangaluru, March 19, 2024: Jesuit Father Praveen Martis has been appointed the first vice chancellor of the newly created St. Aloysius Deemed to University in Mangaluru.
This was announced March 19 by Jesuit Karnataka provincial Father Dionysius Vaz, the university chancellor, in the southwestern India city.
Father Martis is a former principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous).
Alwyn D’Sa, registrar of examinations in St. Aloysius College, told Matters India that the University Grants Commission has approved Father Martis’ appointment. He took charge of the office on the same day.
Born May 21, 1974, in Shankarapura of Udupi district, Father Praveen did his early education at St John’s Educational Institutions, Shankarapura. He obtained a Bachelor degree in Science from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru.
He further studied masters in chemistry at Bengaluru’s St Joseph’s College. For his doctoral studies he went to the University of Namur, Belgium. He has a doctorate in nanoscience.
Returning to India, Father Martis was appointed the correspondent and student counsellor at St Joseph’s Evening College, Bengaluru. Later, he served as professor of Chemistry, director of postgraduate studies and research, and rector and principal of St Joseph’s College Bengaluru, which is currently a University.
He was appointed the principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, in 2017.
Father Martis has published several research papers in national and international research magazines. He is an approved assessor by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for assessment of Autonomous Colleges in India.
“This prestigious position as the First Vice Chancellor of the St. Aloysius University (Deemed to be), will raise the 144-year-old institution to further heights and enhance,” said Melwyn D’Sa, a senior professor in the institution.