About Prof. James Stephen

Prof. M. James Stephen is a respected academician, currently serving as the National Chair Professor at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. With over 22 years of teaching and research experience, and more than 11 years in administrative roles, he has made significant contributions to the academic and research landscape of the Institutions, he served. During his tenure as the Registrar of Andhra University, he was instrumental in securing a prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation with an outstanding CGPA of 3.74 out of 4, placing the university among the top higher education institutions in the country.

In addition to his role in achieving NAAC accreditation, Prof. Stephen played a key part in compiling and submitting the data for Andhra University’s application to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)-2024. The recently announced results saw the university achieve the 7th rank among public universities and secure the 42nd position in the overall category. His meticulous efforts were crucial in ensuring that the university’s developments for the past five years under the leadership of visionary Vice-chancellor, Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasad Reddy were effectively highlighted, contributing to its impressive ranking.

Prof. Stephen's leadership as the Dean of the A.U. Trans-disciplinary Research Hub (TDR-HUB) was marked by his efforts to foster research beyond the confines of the university, extending opportunities to affiliated institutions. He played a pioneering role in establishing standard protocols in line with UGC guidelines, contributing to the research growth of young scholars. Additionally, he served as a member of the Executive Council of Andhra University for two and a half years, further demonstrating his commitment to the institution's development. Earlier in his career, he served as the Principal of WISTM, an A.U. affiliated engineering college for over nine years, where he transformed the college into a thriving institution.

Academically, Prof. Stephen holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Systems Engineering from Andhra University, along with multiple master’s degrees in MCA, M.Phil.(CS), M.Div., M.B.A., and M.Tech.(CST). His research contributions are extensive, with 45 patents and copyrights, including fifteen national and international grants. He has authored 13 books published by renowned national and international publishers, edited four volumes each exceeding 500 pages, and produced numerous peer-reviewed research publications, many of which have been widely cited. His mentorship has led to the successful completion of 12 Ph.D. theses, with several more in progress, reflecting his expertise in integrating technology with social needs.

Prof. Stephen’s international exposure is noteworthy, having visited with some of the prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, University of Connecticut, Purdue University, Duke University, Stanford, Brunel University, and London Metropolitan University. He has been an invited speaker and keynote presenter at various global forums, sharing his insights on education and technology towards meeting societal needs.

His contributions to the field of education have been recognised with fourteen national and international awards, including a full scholarship award from Duke University, USA. Known for his ability to multitask with integrity and character, Prof. Stephen is admired not only as a passionate teacher, researcher, and administrator but also as a dedicated social worker with a strong commitment to community growth.

Prof. M. James Stephen resides in Vizag with his wife, Sailaja Reddi, and their children, James Alex Stewart and Esther Sowseelya. He had been raised at godly home by his parents, father Mr. M. Robert James and mother Mrs. Esther Suseela, who instilled in him the values of faith and service. His professional and personal life reflects his dedication to excellence in education and his unwavering commitment to societal betterment. For more information, he can be reached through his website at http://www.jamesstephen.in or via email at jamesstephenm@gmail.com.