Historic Moment: Andhra University Engineering College Gets First Woman Head

Andhra University Engineering College has its first woman head in a century, which is a significant milestone in the history of a prestigious institution. Professor Mogalla Shashi from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has been appointed as the first female principal of this oldest and most prestigious engineering college in India. It is a major milestone in the history of gender inclusivity and women's leadership in engineering institutions.

The First Woman Head of AU Engineering College was honoured with appointment orders by the Vice Chancellor, Professor G.P. Rajashekhar. The honouring ceremony took place in the presence of Professor K. Rambabu, Dean Professor K. Rajendra Prasad, and Professor K. Shrinivasa Rao. The first woman principal has some distinct qualities which paved her journey from student to principal, and read below to know more about the first woman head of Andhra University College of Engineering and more.
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Professor M.Shashi: A Journey from Student to First Female Head of AUEC

Professor Mogalla Shashi's connection with Andhra University College of Engineering is five decades old. From her student days, she had excellent academic performance along with undying loyalty to the institution. Her journey is a testament to “homegrown talent”, and below is her roadmap to becoming the first female head of the college.

• 1977: Professor Mogalla Shashi's Journey as an engineering student began in Andhra University Engineering College as an electrical & electronics engineering student.
• 1985: She began her career as an assistant professor in the college.
• 1194: She earned her PhD from Andhra University and already had a B.E. secured in 1982 along with M.E in 1085 from the same college.
• 1999 to 2026: She served as a professor in the department of computer science and systems engineering.

Professor M.Shashi's Vision for AI and Upskilling for the Future

Professor M.Shashi's transition from a student in 70s to the head of the college in 2026 serves as an inspiration for female engineering students. Her leadership focuses on modernising the current curriculum to meet the industry's shifting needs. Below are some of the distinct qualities that make her one of the most appreciated leaders.

1. Technological Integration: She always emphasises Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning across all engineering disciplines.
2. Faculty Upskilling: She always makes sure that the teaching faculty & staff are well-trained & equipped with the latest pedagogical tools & industry-relevant knowledge.
3. Student Welfare: Professor M.Shashi highly priortizes on addressing students long facing issues along with those of the non-teaching staff.
4. Great Administrative Skills: Professor M.Shashi focuses on the leading high-profile events for colleges' 100th centenary celebrations while maintaining academic rigour.

Distinct Career and Accomplishments of Professor M.Shashi

Professor M.Shashi is not just a pioneer in academics but also well-versed in leadership skills. Throughout her career, she was appointed to very responsible positions such as Convenor of AP ICET, Chairperson of the Faculty of Engineering, etc. Despite the roadmaps that came her way, she always stood out as a winner and below are some of her career accomplishments.

• Best Teacher Award in 2016
• Young Teacher Award in 1996
• Research Excellence Award while being recognised as the Best PhD Thesis in Engineering and Science by Andhra University in 1995.

So, when Andha University established a separate College of Engineering for Women in 2010, the main college was still dominated by males and headed by males for over a century. Professor Mogalla Shashi's appointment as the First Woman Head breaks this long-standing dominance of males while establishing gender equality. With time, her leadership is expected to strengthen the bond between the college administration & student body, along with fostering an inclusive environment for women in STEM courses in the college.