Prof Naima Khatoon Becomes Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)’s First Woman Vice Chancellor

President of India Droupadi Murmu, in her capacity as the Chancellor, appointed Prof Naima Khatoon as the vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Prof Khatoon is the first ever woman vice chancellor of the prestigious university situated in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in November 2023, her candidature was challenged in Allahabad High Court as she was shortlisted for the post by then acting vice chancellor Mohammed Gulrez, who is married to Prof Khatoon.

Before being appointed as AMU vice chancellor, Prof Khatoon was serving as the principal of varsity’s women’s college.

Prof Naima Khatoon’s illustrious career spans across academia and educational administration. She served as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology before assuming the role of Principal at Women’s College in July 2014. With a tenure starting from July 2006 as a Professor, she progressed through the ranks, holding positions as Associate Professor since April 1998 and lecturer since August 1988.

Adding to her diverse experience, Prof Khatoon taught at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa, for one academic year. Holding a PhD in Political Psychology, she conducted her research at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi, and Aligarh Muslim University. Presently, she also held the position of Director at the Centre for Skill Development & Career Planning, AMU, Aligarh, since October 2015.

Prof. Khatoon’s scholarly pursuits extend globally, with contributions to numerous national and international conferences and lectures delivered at esteemed institutions such as the University of Louisville, USA, University of Alba Iulia, Romania, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, and Hollings Centre for International Dialogue, Boston, USA. She has authored, co-authored, and edited six books and published extensively in reputable national and international journals.

In her role as an academic mentor, Prof Khatoon has supervised fifteen Ph.D. theses and numerous dissertations, specializing in Clinical, Health, Applied Social, and Spiritual Psychology. She also served as the Deputy Coordinator of the UGC assisted Special Assistance Program on Spiritual Psychology at the Department of Psychology, AMU.

Beyond academia, Prof Khatoon boasts extensive experience in educational administration, having served as Provost in Indira Gandhi Hall and Abdullah Hall, as well as Deputy Director of the Residential Coaching Academy and Deputy Proctor of AMU. She has also been elected twice to the Women’s College Student Union and held various leadership roles in student organizations. Prof Khatoon’s outstanding achievements were recognized with the prestigious Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Best Girl Award for all-around excellence.

Her appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University is for a period of five years from the date on which she enters upon her office or the date on which she completes seventy years of age, whichever is earlier, a statement from the varsity said.

Further, it is also said  the Election Commission of India has also approved her appointment and said it has no objection, from Model Code of Conduct (MCC) angle, to the proposal related to appointment of Vice-Chancellor, AMU subject to the condition that no publicity shall be there and no political mileage may be derived from it.

“The terms and conditions of the service of Prof. Naima Khatoon as the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University will be those as set forth in the Act, Statutes and Ordinances of the University,” the statement added.