Prof. (Dr.) K. Prathapan, Founding Vice Chancellor of an Indian University since August 2021, is a seasoned academician and administrator with over 30 years at Kerala Agricultural University as Professor of Crop Production and Management. A visionary leader, he has implemented NEP 2020, introduced innovative programs like MTech AI & ML in Agriculture and MCA Sandwich, and championed technology adoption in teaching, research, and extension. He has secured major external funding, led ₹750 crore development projects, and contributed to national and international academic collaborations across Taiwan, Indonesia, The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. Known for inclusiveness, strategic planning, and fostering high-performance culture, Dr. Prathapan is committed to positioning universities among the top NIRF and QS rankings through innovation, research, and global partnerships.