Stella Maris College, Chennai, Vice Principal: Dr. J. Regi Manimegala Interview

Dr. J. Regi Manimegala is the Vice Principal Shift I (Arts) of Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai which has had a long tradition of imparting quality education to young women for the past 75 years. As former Head of the department of economics (2016-19), she was instrumental in securing the National Level Award ‘Best Academic Department – 2020’ from Dr. Abdul Kalam Educational Trust in the year 2021. A dynamic leader with a personality to ideate, channel and steer the department to greater heights with a keen interest in catapulting the department of economics. She is self-driven; academic-oriented and had developed a cordial relationship with her contemporaries from city colleges and colleges in other states. She is always passionate about developing and enhancing her analytical skills as a teacher. Regi has played a significant role in introducing papers that will augment the quant and research skills of students and young faculty members. This led her to receive an award in 2018 for outstanding contribution in the field of education by Heartfulness Institution, the USA which was recommended by a parent of her student.

What are your roles and responsibilities?

“To guide students, improve the teaching-learning process, and coordinate faculty development programs”

My responsibility is to guide students towards achieving their success. Our curriculum is based on the development of every student’s intellect, emotions, and ethical perspectives. My role is to guide and mentor every student and give them several opportunities. Our teaching-learning process extends beyond the classroom in multiple ways that support the students’ growth. I assist the Principal in the general administration and maintain quality standards in college. We coordinate faculty development programs, implement College Annual Report, and arrange College Staff Council and General Staff Meetings. I ensure faculty evaluation by the students, and Students’ Timetables prepared by the Heads of Departments. We assist in college discipline, orientation programs, and give curricular activities for students. I always manage certificates of students, Study Tours and parent-teacher meetings. 

What keeps you connected with the education sector?

“To empower young women with knowledge and raise quality education on campus”

One of the keys to progress and social change is education. A true sense of commitment and dedication to building youth character, and offering a whole-person education for the new generation of learners are the responsible duties of a leader. Education contains the moral and ethical fiber of a young person instead of an intellect. My belief is to empower young women with the knowledge and skills and to improve quality education. We support the leaders of the next generation and build the formation of young women. It provides transformative changes to the social order. 

What is your leadership philosophy?

“To assist the growth of women, enable democratically, and motivational approach to leading a team”

I serve the campus in several ways and I follow several leadership styles. My leadership style as a Vice-Principal is to enable a participatory, democratic, and motivational approach to lead a team. I mentor young faculty and play supportive and encouraging roles. All of these lead to the growth and development of the institution.

How do you strategize plans for the marketing and administration of campus?

“To organize specialized events, impart students' talents through training, and develop curriculum for the campus”

The key to an administered organization is planning and strategy. Our mission and vision are primary goals for the future. My duty is to plan the academic schedule and provide suitable faculty for campus progress. The first thing we implement is an assessment of our future goals and vision for education. All officials and departments are involved to present annual plans at the beginning of the academic year. The talents of students are boosted by activities other than the classroom. The second progress level is analysis and evaluation. A five or more year plan impart by us with the results and conclusions. Another portion of the framework is curriculum development.

Our goal is to create and design a curriculum that fits into the education reference frame. The greatest asset of our campus is its capable and competent faculty. 

What can an inbound student gain from studying at Stella Maris College?

“Seminars, workshops, industrial visits and training are available to students”

We provide various training programs for students from the first year of campus. They get seminars, workshops, and industry visits to improve their skills. Our campus conducts training of faculty to update knowledge and skills development. These assist students to secure a good career for their life. 

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How does the curriculum of Stella Maris College ensure the best industrial practice?

“Update the curriculum, provide a smooth recruitment process with a career guidance cell and collaborate with other institutes”

Our curriculum is a flexible one and updates it at periodical intervals. We signed collaborations and MoUs with educational institutions and industry. One of the primary steps in curriculum development is assessing the needs of stakeholders and evaluating their needs. The proper procedures are ensured by us with quality control, sustenance, and quality audits for academics and administration. Our recruitment process went smoothly with the Career Guidance Cell. Feedback and recommendations from the industry partner ensure the industrial practice of the curriculum.

What is the college’s top priority for next year?

“Enhance academic partnership, Upskilling of faculty, and achieve regular training”

One of the priorities is to impart inclusive teaching and learning culture. Other goals are to improve academic performance, up-skilling the faculty with a strong research culture and empower resourceful students. We decided to strengthen the educational experience for students, IT infrastructure, academic partnership with research institutions and activities to serve the community. Our campus offers regular training and support to faculty, improves the curriculum periodically and decides to set down guidelines and policies. 

What do you like people to know about Stella Maris College?

“Caters educational needs of young women, academic programs fuse with knowledge and skills provided in the campus”

The campus is a minority Catholic college that caters to the educational needs of young women from marginalized sections of society. We did not differentiate between caste and creed. All students get a place in our programs and we value institutional learning outcomes. Our academic programs fuse knowledge, skills, theory and application. The College is run by a dedicated team of religious Sisters belonging to the Institute of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary who serve a universal mission. Our alumni became leaders in several fields and the college name came from Latin which means Star of the Sea. The Star symbolizes Mother Mary, who as the Star guides travelers across oceans of experience. 

What do you see as Stella Maris College’s greatest strengths?

“Dedicated education, offers liberal art and science on campus”

One of the greatest strengths is dedicated education that empowers young women. Another one offers liberal art and science college for students and prepares them for career options. The educational mission of Stella Maris College is the education of an individual. We focus on developing the whole person, encouraging students with knowledge and skills. Our campus provides courses like Service Learning and Social Awareness which are mandatory for graduating. Students can enroll in the National Service Scheme and the National Cadet Corps for academic credits. They are aware of society and committed to societal change in other ways. We set policies that offer guidelines for research, and quality enhancement for faculty and administrative staff. It states the scope, objectives and plan of action regarding academic provisions. 

What plans are currently designed for Stella Maris College for students?

“To offer online courses on Indian culture, create learning opportunities, improve campus facilities, and join partnerships”

We decide to create learning opportunities in planning and other institutions' strategies at the international level. Our campus plans for annual student and faculty exchange programs. It is essential to offer online courses on Indian culture, Improve facilities on campus and implement new programs. We create new networks and partnerships for the improvement of higher education. 

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How do you establish a healthy relationship on campus?

“Focus on teamwork, discipline, Ensure training opportunities, and strengthen community partnerships”

We provide professional development, and active learning opportunities for faculty and Keep up with emerging specializations. Our campus expands new directions in teaching and research. We are working on a research or teaching project from an interdisciplinary perspective. It enhances community partnerships and internship opportunities for students. Our campus focuses on teamwork, and discipline, and ensures training opportunities for faculty to attain new skills. We emphasize learning-centered teaching, introduce projects and fully integrate into academic programs. 

Any suggestions do you give for current youth?

“Learn from your past and perform well”

My suggestion for youth is to work hard and perform well from the beginning. It is necessary to never look back and learn everything from the past. Mistakes are normal. Make sure to not repeat the errors. One should always learn from their past and succeed in the future.