Former UGC secretary Jaspal Singh Sandhu appointed vice-chancellor of Lovely Professional University

NEW DELHI: Lovely Professional University (LPU) has appointed the former secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Jaspal Singh Sandhu as its new vice-chancellor. According to the official press release, Sandhu's career includes 35 years in teaching, research, and policymaking. He has experience in higher education administration and sports medicine.

Sandhu has also served as the director of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which is responsible for assessing and accrediting higher education institutions in India. As vice-chancellor of LPU, Sandhu will work to enhance interdisciplinary learning, strengthen research, and expand global collaborations.

“His leadership aims to create a dynamic and innovative academic environment, fostering holistic student development. With his deep-rooted expertise in policy formulation and university governance, Dr. Sandhu is poised to drive LPU towards greater excellence in higher education,” the institute said.

As per the institute, Sandhu has contributed to the field of sports medicine. He introduced various courses such as Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Master's in Physical Therapy programmes at Government Medical College, Amritsar. He also served as the head of the department of sports medicine and physiotherapy at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, from 1994 to 2011.

“A gold medalist from the same institution, he furthered his specialization at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala, where he was recognised as the university’s best student,” the institute said. Sandhu also published nearly 250 research papers in national and international journals.