RV University (RVU), a rising hub for liberal, multidisciplinary, and global education, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani as its new Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Ram Kakani steps into this role with a proven legacy of more than two decades in academia, institutional leadership, governance, and international collaborations.
Prof. Kakani began his professional journey as a technocrat before moving into the academic world. Over the years, he has contributed to some of India’s top institutions, XLRI Jamshedpur, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Raipur, where he served as Director from 2022 to 2025.
His association with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, reflects his commitment to shaping leaders beyond the classroom, having mentored India’s future civil servants. His teaching and research have also extended to universities in Denmark, Nigeria, Singapore, and the UAE, strengthening his global outlook.
Welcoming the new Vice Chancellor, Chancellor Dr. (h.c.) A.V.S. Murthy described Prof. Kakani as an academic with “a rare balance of Indian roots and international exposure” whose leadership will steer RVU into its next era of innovation and impact.
Echoing this sentiment, Pro Chancellor Sri D.P. Nagaraj highlighted his “blend of academic depth, governance exposure, and strategic vision,” expressing confidence that he will drive research, collaborations, and student-centric growth at RVU.
Prof. Kakani’s Vision for RVU
Accepting the responsibility, Prof. Kakani said he sees RV University as “a young but fast-evolving institution with the right foundation to shape not just professional success, but socially conscious citizens.” He emphasized his belief in building a purpose-driven ecosystem that brings together faculty, students, and stakeholders to make RVU a model for future-ready education.
A prolific writer, Prof. Kakani has authored several books and research publications with leading publishers including Cambridge, Sage, Routledge, and McGraw-Hill.
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He holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Andhra University (1992) and a Doctorate in Management (Finance & Control) from IIM Calcutta (2002). This dual background — combining technical and management expertise — gives him a unique advantage in addressing cross-sectoral challenges spanning finance, strategy, leadership development, and public governance.
