Well-known Odisha scientist Dr Ashok Kumar Das on Wednesday was appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of the Utkal University.
A notification to this effect was issued by the office of Governor and Chancellor of Universities Dr SC Jamir here.Prior to his appointment, Dr Das was the head of laser and Plasma Technology Division of the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The post of the Vice-Chancellor was lying vacant after the superannuation of Dr Prasant Kumar Sahu on May 1.The Search Committee, formed by the Governor and Chancellor of Universities, had shortlisted eight senior professors, including Dr Das for the post.
The other nominees were Prof Samson Maharana, Department of Commerce, Prof Satyaban Jena, Department of Chemistry, Prof Anup Das, Department of Sociology, Prof Hemant Patra, Department of Botany (all from the Utkal University), Prof Simalchal Panigrahi of NIT, Rourkela, Prof Prakash Sarangi of Central University, Andhra Pradesh and Prof Amarendra Mishra, Department of Botany, Jharkhand University.