The search committee established nine months ago to locate Bimal Patel’s replacement as president and acting director of CEPT University has not yet produced a qualified applicant. In June 2022, Patel’s second 5-year tenure came to an end.
Three months before Patel’s term was set to end in June 2022, a search committee made up of business tycoon Arvind Lalbhai, the head of the Ahmedabad Education Society, Kartikeya Sarabhai, and Achal Bakeri was established.
Even after nine months, the search committee’s failure to nominate three applicants for the top position at CEPT University has drawn criticism. A source said, “The committee has discussed with the faculty over the leadership they seek. The overwhelming response has been to look for a candidate that has an academic vision. CEPT has developed via brick and mortar but it has lost its stature as one of the top universities in India.”
CEPT Registrar Anita Hiranandani said, “The search committee will make a decision soon. Till such time, Dr Bimal Patel will continue to lead the University as President.”
A source privy to the development said, “The process to find the right candidate is not stuck. A few candidates have been approached but the final decision is not taken yet.”
