cmr.edu.in Leadership 2026 - CMR University ...
REQUEST CALL-BACK

About
Us

ABOUT CMR
LEADERSHIP
GOVERNANCE
MESSAGES
STATUTORY APPROVALS
PUBLIC SELF DISCLOSURE
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Leadership

The leadership at CMR University is united by a shared commitment to delivering a purpose-driven and transformative educational experience. Guided by a vision to inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and cultivate lifelong learning, we empower students to become creative thinkers and responsible leaders capable of driving positive global change. At the core of our leadership philosophy is the belief in empowering both students and faculty by fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment. We encourage exploration, experimentation, and growth, creating a culture where learning thrives without fear of failure. Through active engagement with students, academic peers, and industry partners, we bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the knowledge imparted is relevant, future-focused, and deeply impactful.

Dr. K.C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd)

Chairman, CMR Group of Institutions, CMR University & Ekya Board of Governors Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

Dr. K.C. Ramamurthy is a distinguished public servant, visionary educationist, and institution builder who currently serves as the Chairman of CMR Group of Institutions and CMR University. With over three decades of service in civil administration and education, his leadership is rooted in values of integrity, excellence, and public good.

A postgraduate in Economics and Political Science, Dr. Ramamurthy began his career as a lecturer before joining the Karnataka Administrative Service and subsequently, the Indian Police Service (IPS). Over a decorated 32-year career in the IPS, he held key leadership positions including Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, Additional Commissioner of Police, and Inspector General of Police. His tenure was marked by reforms in policing, strategic crisis management, and public trust-building. He remains one of the few officers to have served in all major wings of Bengaluru’s police administration, law and order, crime, traffic, security, and armed reserve. He was conferred the President’s Meritorious Medal for his outstanding service to the nation.

Dr. Ramamurthy’s administrative acumen extended well beyond policing. As Commissioner of Kannada and Culture, he introduced landmark cultural initiatives and led state delegations to international conferences. As Registrar of Bangalore University, he played a pivotal role in its five-star accreditation from NAAC and successfully hosted the 90th Indian Science Congress, inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India and addressed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He later led KEONICS as Managing Director, streamlining governance and financial discipline. In the field of youth development and sports, he established over 3,000 youth clubs across Karnataka, developed sports infrastructure in rural areas, and led Indian delegations to major international sporting events, including the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2016, Dr. Ramamurthy served on several key parliamentary committees, including Education, Urban Development, Industry, and Human Resource Development. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table and made notable interventions on education reforms, online fraud, rural sports, and policy issues concerning youth and cultural development. During his term, he recorded 98% attendance and actively participated in debates, raising issues of national and state importance.

Inspired by the philanthropic vision of his father, the late Shri Chikka Muniyappa Reddy (CMR), Dr. Ramamurthy co-founded the CMR Jnanadhara Trust alongside Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, with the aim of providing inclusive, values-based education. Today, the Trust has grown into the CMR Group of Institutions, encompassing over twenty institutions, 1,500+ faculty, and more than 20,000 students from India and 58 countries, offering programmes from Montessori to doctoral levels across diverse disciplines.

As Chairman of CMR University, Dr. Ramamurthy has been instrumental in shaping the University’s vision as a forward-looking, interdisciplinary institution focused on creative thinking, industry relevance, and social responsibility. Under his leadership, the University has seen the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the international-standard Lakeside Campus at Bagalur, as well as cricket and football stadiums to foster a vibrant sports culture. His commitment to the arts has led to the creation of five modern auditoriums across Bengaluru.

He continues to champion educational excellence, sustainability, and nation-building. His contributions have been recognised with several honours, including the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award, Kempegowda Award, and Citizen Extraordinaire by Rotary Club (2024). In recognition of his lifelong service and impact, he was conferred an honorary doctorate in 2022.

Dr. Ramamurthy is widely respected for his erudition, humility, and leadership. As an ardent listener and effective communicator, he brings people together with empathy and conviction. Alongside Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, Chancellor of CMR University, he continues to guide the CMR Group’s mission of shaping socially conscious leaders equipped to drive positive global change.

Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy

Chancellor, CMR University President, CMR Jnanadhara Trust President, Board of Governors, Ekya Schools

Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy is a pioneering educationist, entrepreneur, and institution builder who currently serves as the Chancellor of CMR University and President of the CMR Group of Institutions. With a career spanning over three decades, she is recognised as one of the few women founders in Indian higher education and a leading voice in purpose-driven, values-based learning.

Her journey began in 1991 with a small school launched in a guava orchard behind her home, an initiative rooted in compassion, vision, and a deep understanding of what education could offer to future generations. What started with six children has since evolved into a vibrant network of over 20 institutions, educating more than 20,000 students from over 60 countries, offering academic programmes from Montessori to PhD across diverse disciplines including architecture, design, engineering, technology, management, law, liberal arts, psychology, and commerce.

Guided by the values of trust, empathy, and community, Dr. Ramamurthy co-founded the CMR Jnanadhara Trust in memory of her father-in-law, the late Shri Chikka Muniyappa Reddy. Her leadership is defined by quiet resilience, clarity of purpose, and the courage to challenge convention. As the spouse of a senior bureaucrat and mother of two young children, she made the bold decision to pursue entrepreneurship in a time when few women led institutions of such scale. While nurturing a growing educational enterprise, she also pursued and completed her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Education, embodying lifelong learning in practice.

Dr. Ramamurthy’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her deep academic grounding and ability to translate vision into action. Her leadership has resulted in several landmark institutions under the CMR banner, including the founding of CMR National Public School (1991), CMR Institute of Technology (2000), and CMR University (2013) where she continues to shape the institution’s mission as its Chancellor. She is also the Founding President of Ekya Schools, a progressive K–12 school network launched in 2010, and serves on the board of National Public School, Singapore.

Throughout her career, she has challenged gender norms, navigated a complex education ecosystem, and built a legacy rooted in integrity, academic excellence, and social responsibility. Her leadership has consistently promoted a culture of trust, quality, and opportunity, ensuring that every learner at CMR institutions is equipped with the skills, curiosity, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Her contributions to education and society have been widely recognised through honours such as the Mother Teresa Excellence Award, Rashtriya Rattan Award, Jewel of India Award, Bhartiya Nirman Ratna Award, Indira Gandhi Sadbhavna Award, Great Daughter of Karnataka Award, The Doyens Award by The Hindu Group, and the Nari Narayani Award by Public TV.

Dr. Ramamurthy continues to inspire students, educators, and entrepreneurs alike, not only as a transformational leader, but as a woman of substance, vision, and unwavering purpose.

Shri. Jayadeep K R Reddy

Pro-Chancellor, CMR University Chief Executive Officer, CMR Group of Institutions

Shri Jayadeep K R serves as the Pro-Chancellor of CMR University and Chief Executive Officer of the CMR Group of Institutions, leading one of India’s most respected educational ecosystems with vision, clarity, and a quiet sense of purpose. With a professional background in Architecture and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the United Kingdom, he brings together design sensibility and strategic foresight to reimagine the future of private education in India.

At the forefront of the Group’s expansion, Shri Jayadeep has overseen the development of several landmark initiatives, including the creation of CMR University’s state-of-the-art Lakeside Campus at Bagalur. A strong believer in sustainability, he takes a personal interest in building environmentally responsible infrastructure that reflects long-term institutional vision and architectural excellence.

Deeply passionate about art, design, and architecture, Shri Jayadeep fosters a culture of innovation and creative inquiry across all CMR institutions. He is also an advocate for emerging technologies and their transformative role in education, encouraging students and faculty alike to explore interdisciplinary pathways and future-forward solutions.

A committed supporter of animal welfare, he brings a broader sensitivity to leadership, grounded in compassion, social responsibility, and ethical action. His initiatives are not only infrastructural and academic, but also deeply rooted in values that promote sustainable development, equity, and impact.

Under his leadership, CMR University has established eight specialised schools offering industry-aligned programmes, and has been recognised among India’s top ten most sustainable institutions. His long-term vision is to position CMR University among the Ivy League of Indian higher education institutions through a relentless focus on academic excellence, evolving pedagogy, and transformative learning environments that prepare students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.

Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy

Vice President, CMR Group of Institutions Member, Board of Governors, CMR University Founder, Ekya Schools

Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy plays a key role in advancing CMR University’s commitment to fostering creative thinkers who are prepared to drive positive global change. Her leadership is centred on academic innovation, student-focused learning, and institutional excellence, aligned with the University’s mission to offer transformative, purpose-driven education.

At CMR University, Dr. Tristha leads strategic initiatives that integrate academic theory with real-world application. She promotes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving, while also encouraging global perspectives through international collaborations. Her efforts contribute to building an inclusive academic environment where diverse ideas are respected and nurtured.

A strong advocate for holistic student development, Dr. Tristha has introduced innovative pedagogical models that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world. She has also championed continuous faculty development to ensure that educators are equipped with tools to deliver engaging and impactful learning experiences.

Dr. Tristha holds a Doctorate in Education from King’s College, London, a Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Singapore Management University. Her research interests include educational equity, teacher motivation, and curriculum design, which continue to inform her approach to institutional leadership.

In addition to her responsibilities at CMR University, she serves as Vice President of the CMR Group of Institutions and is the Founder of Ekya Schools, where she has introduced research-based learning methodologies inspired by her global academic exposure, including the Project Zero Classroom at Harvard University and design thinking from Stanford’s d.school. Beyond education, she is also an early-stage investor in startups, a Board Trustee of the One Billion Literates Foundation, and serves as the Membership Officer of YPO Bangalore.

With a deep commitment to academic excellence, creativity, and innovation, Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy continues to shape CMR University into a vibrant centre for interdisciplinary learning and global engagement.

Smt. Shreya Reddy

Executive Director, CMR Group of Institutions

Smt. Shreya Reddy serves as the Executive Director of the CMR Group of Institutions, where her leadership continues to shape the Group’s strategic vision and institutional identity. Since 2011, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the reach and relevance of CMR University and its associated institutions through a distinct focus on innovation, communication, and brand-building.

With a deep commitment to purpose-driven education, Smt. Shreya has been instrumental in positioning CMR University as a forward-thinking academic institution. In 2022, she founded the Creative Content and Communications Wing, an in-house team of specialists focused on storytelling, digital engagement, and brand strategy. This initiative has significantly strengthened the university’s public presence and helped earn recognitions such as the Emerging University of the Year 2022 by ASSOCHAM and Best Private University in South India for Research and Placement by CEGR.

Smt. Shreya’s vision is guided by a commitment to showcasing academic and institutional excellence through content-led, insight-driven communication strategies. Her work has established a unified brand voice for CMR University and its institutions, positioning them as destinations of choice for students across India and beyond.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University, and a Postgraduate Degree in Management from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. She has also pursued executive education in Family Enterprise Governance at the Kellogg School of Management and completed graduate-level coursework in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University.

With over a decade of cross-sector experience across industries such as health tech, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, fitness, and education management, both in India and the United States, Smt.Shreya brings a multifaceted perspective to institutional leadership. Her broad exposure across domains including sales, marketing, HR, finance, and IT has contributed to her operational versatility and strategic clarity.

Earlier in her career, she played a key role in enhancing administrative processes and led the English Language Enhancement Preparatory Program (ELEPP), an initiative that welcomed international students to CMRU and contributed to its growing global reputation.

Her empathetic leadership style, influenced by her personal experiences as a mother, is rooted in the belief that individual strengths, when recognised and nurtured, enable teams to thrive. She promotes a culture of collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect, where individuals feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to shared goals.

Looking ahead, Smt. Shreya Reddy remains committed to amplifying the impact of CMR University through creative communication, institutional storytelling, and thought leadership. She envisions broadening the role of the Creative Content and Communications Wing and hopes to contribute a lasting legacy in the evolving field of education and brand strategy.

Dr. H. B. Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor

Vice Chancellor, CMR University

Prof. H. B. Raghavendra is currently serving as Vice Chancellor of CMR University, Bangalore. Prior to this, he was associated with Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as Director and Director General (Vice Chancellor) from 2011 to 2017. He has also served as Vice Chancellor of The NorthCap University, Gurugram, Haryana, and Chandigarh University, Punjab, before joining CMR University in 2023. Prof. Raghavendra brings over 35 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic governance.

A Civil Engineer by training, he holds degrees from IIT Madras, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and BITS, Pilani, Rajasthan, and has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. He has been the recipient of several national and international scholarships, including awards from the Government of India and the National University of Singapore. He is a Fellow and Life Member of multiple professional societies, including FIE, ISTE, and IGS. He has also served as coordinator for the World Bank Programme on rural sanitation and water supply projects.

Prof. Raghavendra has presented numerous technical papers at prestigious national and international conferences and has published extensively in journals while guiding postgraduate and PhD students. He has received multiple Best Paper Awards for his contributions to research. He has visited countries including the USA, Australia, China, Singapore, and Malaysia for academic presentations and as part of delegations establishing skill centres and promoting academic excellence.

Under his leadership, several centres of excellence have been established. This include the International Automobile Centre of Excellence at PDPU, in partnership with Kangan Institute, Melbourne, Australia, and Maruti Automobiles, Solar Research and Development Centre promoted by the Gujarat Energy Development Authority at PDPU and industry-funded laboratories across multiple discipline. At NCU Gurugram, Dr. Raghavendra established the Daikin Centre of Excellence, an AR/VR Centre, and the Thought Laboratory for Wellbeing, in partnership with the Brahma Kumaris.

Prof. Raghavendra is a strong advocate for student success and works closely with faculty and leadership to ensure the highest quality of education. He has earned a reputation for implementing effective examination reforms and leading NEP 2020 initiatives.. He is also driving initiatives such as enabling modules for slow learners, student portfolio systems, parent information systems, integration of tinkering labs and makerspaces, centres of excellence, exchange programmes, lifelong learning modules, and industry immersion programmes for faculty and students.

He continues to promote activity-based learning and comprehensive student development, focusing on holistic growth, community-based internships, and outcomes-oriented pedagogy. The success of his leadership is reflected in national and international university rankings, including NIRF and NAAC, and in the improved standing of the institutions he has served.

Dr. R. Praveen

Pro-Vice Chancellor, CMR University

As Pro Vice Chancellor of CMR University, Dr. R. Praveen oversees the institution’s academic and administrative functions, encompassing policy formulation, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of systems and processes that uphold institutional standards of excellence.

A seasoned educationist with over 29 years of teaching and research experience and 21 years in academic administration, Dr. Praveen epitomises the ideals of a committed academician. He blends administrative leadership with scholarly research and active engagement across academic communities. His leadership has extended to critical university systems, including student registration and enrolment, academic records management, course and examination scheduling, and digital platforms such as Banner and Degree Audit.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Praveen served as Registrar of CMR University, Principal of CMR College of Education, and lecturer at several leading Colleges of Education in Bengaluru. His career reflects a deep commitment to academic governance, process efficiency, and institutional growth.

Dr. Praveen is widely recognised for his mentorship. He has successfully guided ten research scholars to the award of a Ph.D., with four more currently pursuing their doctorates. He continues to mentor faculty, staff, and students, fostering a culture of continuous academic development. His scholarly contributions include numerous publications presented at national and international forums, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. He holds postgraduate degrees in Physics, Psychology, and Education, an M.Phil. in Education, and earned his Ph.D. in Education in 2003.

Dr. Praveen also serves on more than 14 national and state-level boards, committees, and professional bodies, including the All India Association of Educational Research, the Council of Behavioural Scientists, the Council of Teacher Education, and the Psycholinguistic Association of India. His active participation underscores his influence on educational policy, curriculum design, and quality enhancement initiatives at the institutional and national levels.

With a career dedicated to academic leadership and a strong belief in the transformative power of education, Dr. R. Praveen continues to advance CMR University’s mission of nurturing creative thinkers who will drive positive global change.

Dr. Mohan Babu G.N.

Registrar, CMR University

Dr. Mohan Babu G.N. serves as the Registrar of CMR University, Bengaluru. With over 38 years of experience in higher education, research, and academic administration, he has made significant contributions to technical education and institutional development.

A native of Hassan, Dr. Mohan Babu began his career in 1986 as a lecturer at Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan, where he served for 24 years in various capacities including Professor and Head of Department. During 2005 to 2010, he was the Chief Coordinator for the World Bank-funded Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP), successfully implementing the initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of technical education and institutional effectiveness.

In 2010, he joined M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology as a Professor and served there for five years. He later assumed the role of Principal at BMS Institute of Technology and Management (BMSIT&M) in 2015, leading the institution for nine years. Under his leadership, BMSIT&M emerged as a high-performing institution nationally recognized for its academic and research excellence. The institute achieved NAAC ‘A’ Grade accreditation, NBA accreditation for all UG and PG programmes, and attained autonomy. It was ranked within the 95 – 200 band under NIRF between 2017 and 2023 and received the AICTE-CII Platinum rating twice for industry engagement.

Dr. Mohan Babu was instrumental in introducing India’s first four-year B.E. programme in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. During his tenure, BMSIT&M recorded three-fold growth in student admissions, revenue, and faculty accomplishments. The percentage of PhD-qualified faculty rose from 22% to 75%, and new infrastructure worth over ₹70 crore was established.

Before joining CMR University, he served for a brief stint as the Director (Academics and Administration) at AMC Group of Institutions, working towards streamlining systems and processes.

Dr. Mohan Babu obtained his B.E. degree securing third rank, and a PG Diploma in Computer Programming with first rank, both from the University of Mysore. He earned his M.Tech and Ph.D. degrees from IIT Madras in 1992 and 2000 respectively.

He was awarded a six-month Doctoral Internship by the United Nations University, The Netherlands, and received the National Award for Management Research from the Transport Corporation of India. His international exposure includes academic visits to the USA, Europe, and Japan for presenting research papers under Government of India and World Bank sponsorship.

A respected academic leader, Dr. Mohan Babu has served on expert panels of AICTE, NAAC, and VTU, and on several governing and academic councils. He has served as a subject matter expert for NPTEL, Government of India, and Edusat, VTU. He was also a visiting professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, and SDM Institute for Management Development, Mysuru.

He has delivered invited lectures at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIM Indore, and HPCL contributing to thought leadership in higher education and academic management.

ACCP AY(2025-26)
Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.