Breaking Barriers: Prof. Naima Khatoon Appointed VC of Aligarh Muslim University

GG News Bureau
Aligarh, 23rd April. In a historic move, Professor Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s 123-year history. The Ministry of Education confirmed Ms. Khatoon’s appointment after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu, the esteemed Visitor of the university.

With this appointment, AMU proudly joins the ranks of progressive institutions, becoming only the third central university in India to have a woman at the helm. Professor Khatoon follows in the footsteps of trailblazers like Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the current VC of Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Najma Akhtar, who completed her tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia in 2023.

Breaking traditional norms, Ms. Khatoon’s ascendancy to the position of Vice Chancellor represents a paradigm shift in leadership at AMU. Notably, Begum Sultan Jahan became the first and only woman Chancellor of AMU in 1920, making history nearly a century ago.

Here are some compelling facts about Professor Naima Khatoon:

Dedicated Academic Journey: Professor Khatoon embarked on her professional journey as a lecturer at AMU in August 1988. Over the years, she ascended the academic ladder, serving as an Associate Professor in April 1998 and eventually achieving the prestigious title of Professor in July 2006. Her illustrious career includes serving as the Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology before assuming the role of Principal at Women’s College in July 2014.

Versatile Experience: Professor Khatoon’s expertise extends beyond the boundaries of AMU. She imparted knowledge as a faculty member at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa, for an academic year. Additionally, she has held various administrative positions within AMU, including Deputy Director of the Residential Coaching Academy, Deputy Proctor, and Provost in both Indira Gandhi Hall and Abdullah Hall.

Academic Prowess: Holding a PhD degree in Political Psychology, Professor Khatoon conducted her doctoral research at the prestigious Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi, and AMU. She has showcased her research prowess on global platforms, presenting her findings at esteemed institutions such as the University of Louisville (USA), the University of Alba Iulia (Romania), and Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok), among others.

Prolific Author and Researcher: Beyond academia, Ms. Khatoon is a prolific writer and researcher, having authored, co-authored, and edited six books. Her scholarly contributions extend to various national and international journals, where she has published numerous papers. Her areas of expertise encompass clinical, health, applied social, and spiritual Psychology.

Recognized Excellence: Professor Khatoon’s contributions to academia have been widely recognized, earning her accolades such as the Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Best Girl Award for all-round excellence.

In her new role as Vice Chancellor of AMU, Professor Naima Khatoon is poised to lead the institution into a new era of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.