New Delhi [India], July 26 (ANI): Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has appointed Prof. Uma Kanjilal as the Acting Vice Chancellor following Prof. Nageshwar Rao's term completion, said an official release from IGNOU.

Prof. Uma Kanjilal, serving as the Pro-Vice Chancellor, brings a distinguished academic and administrative career to her new role.

Prof. Uma Kanjilal began her illustrious career as a Research Assistant at IIT Kanpur in 1984. She has since held various positions, including Cataloguer and Professional Assistant at IGNCA, and rose through the academic ranks at IGNOU from Lecturer to Professor, a position she has held since 2003.

Her administrative experience is extensive, having served as Librarian in Charge, Director of the School of Social Sciences, Director of the Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning, Director of the Inter-University Consortium for Technology-Enabled Flexible Education and Development, and also as Director of the Centre for Online Education.

Prof. Uma Kanjilal's international assignments include consultancy roles for CEMCA and UNRWA, and module development for the Commonwealth of Learning. She has been a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Illinois and has received numerous awards including the Manthan Award for eGyankosh and DELNET's Best Lending Library Award.

Prof. Uma Kanjilal serves as one of the National Coordinators for SWAYAM which offers free online courses across various disciplines, allowing learners to access high-quality educational content. Additionally, Prof. Kanjilal is also associated with SWAYAM PRABHA, which involves educational DTH (Direct-to-Home) channels broadcasting educational programs 24/7, providing valuable content to learners.

IGNOU is confident that Prof. Kanjilal's leadership will further its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. The university community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Uma Kanjilal and looks forward to her visionary leadership. (ANI)