Administrative Roles
In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Stephen has distinguished himself as a visionary leader in higher education administration, with over 11 years of experience in key administrative roles. His leadership style is marked by a strong commitment to fostering academic excellence and creating an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.
His ability to effectively manage complex academic and administrative responsibilities has been instrumental in driving the institutions's progress and enhancing its reputation both nationally and internationally. His strategic vision, coupled with his deep understanding of academic and administrative processes, has enabled him to implement changes that have lasting impacts on the institutions he serves. His ability to balance academic rigor with administrative efficiency has made him a respected figure in the academic community, known for his dedication to advancing education and research in meaningful and impactful ways.
Registrar, Andhra University
At the helm of a 98-year-old institution, Prof. M. James Stephen stood out as one of the youngest and most dynamic administrators in the history of Andhra University. Despite his relatively short tenure as Registrar from October 2023 to June 2024, he brought a fresh and energetic approach to the university's administration, quickly establishing himself as a leader with a proven track record of accomplishments. His youth was complemented by a deep well of experience, and his dynamic leadership style was instrumental in achieving significant milestones for the university.
Under his administrative leadership, Andhra University was awarded the coveted NAAC A++ accreditation, achieving an outstanding CGPA of 3.74 out of 4. This remarkable accomplishment placed the university among the top higher education institutions in the country, reflecting the institution's commitment to academic excellence and rigorous standards. Prof. Stephen's meticulous oversight and dedication were crucial in this achievement, ensuring that every aspect of the university's operations met the highest quality benchmarks.
In addition to the NAAC success, Prof. Stephen was instrumental in the university’s outstanding performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. His leadership in compiling and submitting the necessary data was a key factor in Andhra University securing the 7th rank among public universities and the 42nd position overall in the country. His ability to effectively highlight 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, further solidifying the university’s reputation on a national scale. Prof. Stephen’s administrative acumen during this short period not only brought immediate recognition to Andhra University but also laid the groundwork for its continued success in the future.
Dean, A.U. TDR-HUB
Serving as the Dean of the Trans-disciplinary Research Hub (TDR-HUB) at Andhra University from December 2022 to July 2024, Prof. M. James Stephen played a crucial role in facilitating and realizing the vision of the hub. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the foundational structures and processes that have enabled the hub to effectively support interdisciplinary research.
One of Prof. Stephen’s significant contributions was his pioneering work in setting up an online portal for the TDR-HUB. This innovative platform streamlined the research process by providing a comprehensive, end-to-end system that allowed both scholars and supervisors to access real-time updates and track progress. The portal greatly enhanced transparency and efficiency, ensuring that researchers had timely access to the information and resources they needed.
Under Prof. Stephen’s leadership, the TDR-HUB was dedicated to creating an environment that fostered collaborative research and academic excellence. He diligently ensured that all academic regulations were in line with UGC guidelines, working tirelessly to achieve the hub’s objectives and support scholars and supervisors. His efforts in implementing effective administrative tools and processes laid a strong foundation for the hub’s future growth and success
One of Prof. M. James Stephen's standout initiatives was the introduction of the "Meet with Dean" special sessions. These weekly online sessions, held every weekend, were designed to foster direct communication and interaction between Prof. Stephen and the scholars and supervisors within the hub. The "Meet with Dean" sessions became a highlight of his tenure, providing a valuable platform for open dialogue and feedback. Prof. Stephen's commitment to these sessions demonstrated his dedication to creating a responsive and engaged research community. By making himself accessible and actively participating in these discussions, he significantly enhanced the support and guidance available to the research community at the TDR-HUB.
Prof. Stephen’s contributions were pivotal in setting the stage for the TDR-HUB’s continued development. By fostering a research culture that values innovation and collaboration, he has had a lasting impact on the hub’s ability to support and advance trans-disciplinary research at Andhra University
Member, Executive Council, Andhra University
Prof. M. James Stephen served as a member of the Executive Council of Andhra University from March 2020 to August 2022. During this time, he was actively involved in both the planning and execution of various initiatives, contributing significantly to the university’s governance. Prof. Stephen’s role extended beyond policy-making; he was deeply engaged in implementing the policies and ensuring their effectiveness. He devoted considerable time to working closely with top administration officials, readily available for any necessary tasks.
One notable project during his tenure was the cleanup of invasive plants and bushes near the engineering college hostels. These invasive species posed safety and aesthetic concerns on the campus. Dr. P. Yesupadam, another Executive Council member, who volunteered to cleanup the bushes and turn the cleared area into a useful playground. Prof. Stephen played a key role in addressing this issue, focusing on the removal of these harmful plants. This collaborative effort not only enhanced the campus environment but also created a valuable recreational space for students.
In addition to his direct involvement in environmental projects, Prof. Stephen also contributed to various sub-committees as needed. His proactive and dedicated approach ensured that he was a valuable asset to the Executive Council, helping to advance the university’s strategic goals and maintain smooth administrative operations. His tenure was marked by a commitment to both strategic oversight and practical execution, reflecting his comprehensive approach to university governance.
Event Management and Organisation
During the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasad Reddy from July 2019 to July 2024, Prof. M. James Stephen made significant contributions to event management and organization at Andhra University. Over these five years, he demonstrated exceptional skill and efficiency in orchestrating numerous high-profile events, showcasing his expertise in managing large-scale activities with remarkable ease and effectiveness.
Prof. Stephen was instrumental in organizing the A.U. Alumni Annual Meets, which featured prominent figures such as the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, renowned industrialists like Dr. G.M. Rao, Shri N. Narayana Murthy (founder of Infosys), and Shri Chandra Sekhar Natarajan (Chairman of Tata Sons), among others. These events were pivotal in strengthening the university’s connections with its alumni and industry leaders.
One of the most notable achievements was the successful organization of the combined convocations for the 87th, 88th, 89th, and 90th batches, which were held on September 9, 2023. Due to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these four convocations were consolidated into a single massive event. Prof. Stephen’s meticulous planning and execution ensured that this complex event was carried out seamlessly, reflecting his ability to handle large-scale operations with precision.
Another significant event managed by Prof. Stephen was the Asian Book of Records event, which featured a motivational talk by Dr. Nick Vujicic at the A.U. Engineering College grounds. This inspiring event, attended by 60,000 students who took an oath to transform themselves from “Human Beings to Being Human”, was a testament to Prof. Stephen’s capability to organize high-impact events on a grand scale.
Prof. Stephen’s expertise in event management is characterized by his ability to execute large-scale events economically while maintaining high standards of quality. His art of organizing with minimum cost yet achieving maximum impact has been a hallmark of his tenure, highlighting his exceptional skills in orchestrating successful and memorable events at Andhra University.
Mentor, American Corner
As the Mentor of the American Corner at Andhra University, Prof. M. James Stephen has played a pivotal role in its establishment and ongoing success. Since the inception of the American Corner in September 2021, he has been the primary liaison between Andhra University and the US Consulate in Hyderabad. His work has been instrumental in establishing and nurturing this valuable partnership.
Prof. Stephen meticulously managed the setup of the American Corner, ensuring that the space was optimally designed and equipped. His efforts have been recognised, with the American Corner receiving accolades as one of the best American spaces across the region. His hands-on approach in coordinating with the US Consulate and executing the partnership has been a key factor in the center's success.
Under his mentorship, the American Corner has hosted a diverse range of events, including workshops, capacity-building programs, student engagement activities, young women faculty development events, interactive programs, discussions with diplomats, and book reading sessions. Prof. Stephen’s leadership has ensured that these events are conducted with high standards of quality and effectiveness.
He handles all communications related to the American Corner with precision and timeliness, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond the call of duty. His dedication to the role has not only facilitated a robust exchange of ideas and cultural understanding but also elevated the American Corner as a significant resource for students and faculty at Andhra University.
Principal, WISTM
From September 2013 to November 2022, Prof. M. James Stephen served as the Principal of the Wellfare Institute of Science Technology and Management (WISTM) in Visakhapatnam, an affiliated college of Andhra University. His tenure was marked by a remarkable transformation of the institution, which evolved from a struggling entity into a thriving, self-sustained educational establishment.
Under Prof. Stephen’s leadership, WISTM experienced substantial growth, increasing its student enrollment from a minimal number to over 2,000 students. This significant expansion reflects his effective strategic vision and management capabilities. He implemented various reforms and initiatives that revitalized the institution, ensuring its sustainability and success in the competitive educational landscape.
Prof. Stephen’s commitment to improving opportunities for students from rural backgrounds was evident in the successful placements of these students in prominent multinational companies. His efforts in enhancing the quality of education and providing industry-relevant training played a crucial role in achieving these placements, thereby offering students valuable career prospects.
A notable achievement during his tenure was the consistent success of the Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) students at the Smart India Hackathon, a national-level competition conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India. The CSE students secured the 1st prize in this prestigious competition for three consecutive years, highlighting the excellence and innovative capabilities fostered under Prof. Stephen’s leadership.
Prof. Stephen’s relentless dedication and strategic vision significantly contributed to the growth and success of WISTM, making it a prominent institution in the region and a beacon of excellence in technical education
Member, Governing Bodies & Advisor
Prof. M. James Stephen has made substantial contributions as a member of various governing bodies and as an advisor to educational institutions, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise in education to support and guide institutional development.
Currently, Prof. Stephen serves as a Member of the Governing Body at both Dr. V. S. Krishna Government Degree College and Anil Neerukonda Institute of Technology & Sciences (ANITS) in Visakhapatnam. In these roles, he plays a crucial part in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of these institutions, contributing to their growth and academic excellence. During his tenure as Registrar at Andhra University, Prof. Stephen was a key member of the Local Board of Administration (LBA) for Sainik School Korukonda in Vizianagaram.
Earlier, Prof. Stephen served as a member of the Academic Committee of Central Tribal University for one year. His contributions to the academic committee were instrumental in shaping the university’s academic policies and programs.
Additionally, Prof. Stephen serves as an advisor to numerous schools and colleges, where he provides valuable insights and guidance based on his extensive experience in education. His advisory roles enable these institutions to benefit from his expertise, fostering their development and supporting their educational missions.
Through these various roles, Prof. Stephen continues to make significant contributions to the educational sector, impacting a range of institutions with his knowledge, leadership, and dedication to educational excellence.