In a first, woman principal to lead St Stephen’s college

Delhi University’s St Stephen’s College on Tuesday appointed Professor Susan Elias as its 14th principal, making her the first woman to lead the institution in its more than 145-year history, ending an unbroken line of male leadership since the college’s founding in 1881.

According to an official notification, “The Supreme Council of the college is pleased to announce that Prof Susan Elias will take charge as the XIV (14th) Principal of the College and as its first lady Principal, effective June 1, 2026.” It was signed by Rt Revd Dr Paul Swarup, Bishop of Delhi and chairman of the college.

The principal’s post had been vacant since March 2026, following the end of the previous principal’s term amid administrative challenges, which Elias is expected to navigate in her new position.

Professor Elias brings with her more than three decades of academic, research and administrative experience, largely in engineering and research institutions in South India.

According to details available on her professional profile, she recently served as pro vice chancellor (research) at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, from January to May 2026.

Before that, she served as the director of research at Hindustan University between October 2024 and December 2025. She has also served in several roles at Vellore Institute of Technology, including professor and dean of the School of Electronics Engineering, professor and deputy director at the Centre for Advanced Data Science, and associate professor and head of the School of Electronics Engineering.

The announcement sparked several reactions online, with users on X congratulating Professor Elias and calling the appointment a proud moment for the college. One user wrote, “Such excitement over this news! First woman principal for St Stephen’s College. All the best Prof Elias!” Another said, “Delhi’s St Stephen’s College, my alma mater, appoints first woman principal in 145-year history. A big congratulations to Prof Susan Elias!”

A third user reacted, “Heartiest congratulations to her,” while another wrote, “As an alumna, I am so happy.”