In these uncertain times, higher educational institutions face significant challenges, making effective leadership more crucial than ever. Strong leaders ensure high-quality instruction and maintenance, enabling smooth processes and structured feedback systems for teachers and stakeholders. They also recognize the traits of impactful professional development. One such leader is Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S, the principal of Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous. She has been honored with the immense responsibility of shaping the future citizens of the world, a role she fulfills with great credibility and ease. And as a result of all the hardwork and dedication she has shown in her role, she is being recognized as one among the 20 Prominent Principals of 2024, in the Higher Education category.
From the Scratch
Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S belongs to the Society of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry. From her childhood, she was deeply influenced by the missionaries of this society. Their passion for education and the transformative impact they had on society inspired her. She believes that education enriches lives and fosters understanding, and witnessing this drove her to pursue a career in academia. Her family and the sisters who ran her school played a significant role in shaping her passion for education.
While she personally can’t pinpoint one particular individual who she was inspired by, she credits her incredible journey to all her teachers who were committed and dedicated. “The sisters who ran the institution showed great enthusiasm for education and addressing societal needs, and their passion and dedication were highly motivating”, shared Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S.
As the Principal of JNC Autonomous
As principal, Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S focuses on empowering both staff and students. She aims to uphold the core values of the institution through academic and non-academic activities. Central to the mission are personal empowerment, respect, and leading by example, where the goal is to create an environment where everyone feels respected and respects others.
When we asked Dr. Louisa to talk on what she looks forward to achieving in the days to come, she shared – “Currently, the institution is autonomous, but there is a long-term aspiration to become a university, a goal that has been in progress for about ten years”. “While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted this progress, efforts are now resuming to achieve this milestone”, she added.
Furthermore, talking specifically on the problems she had to overcome as the principal, Dr. Louisa elaborated on how digitalization has posed significant challenges, particularly in light of the pandemic, and adapting to the demands of digitalization has been difficult, especially with a diverse student body. Additionally, the principal of JNC also shed light on how important it is for her the process of implementing the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the State Education Policy (SEP) introduced by the Karnataka government, which particularly were challenging but very much necessary.
Motivating Community Engagement and Student Well-being
Under Dr. Louisa’s capable leadership, the students of JNC participate in various clubs and associations, such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), where they assist in villages and create awareness programs. Also, the institution collaborates with non-governmental organizations and the Rotaract Club to address societal concerns. Students are actively involved in outreach programs, visiting orphanages, old age homes, and working with specially-abled children.
To ensure physical health on campus, strict hygiene measures have been implemented. For mental well-being, experts are invited to conduct sessions and create awareness. The campus has a regular counselor and a highly active Department of Psychology. Staff members mentor students discreetly to address their difficulties, fostering a supportive environment.
On a Personal Note
Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S is deeply committed to social work, regularly reaching out to the nearby slum community. Within her society, she fulfills various responsibilities, including guiding and supporting the sisters, serving as a Provincial Counselor, and working towards the upkeep of the society. She is also the Education coordinator for the institutions of the Society of Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes.
Balancing personal and professional life is challenging for Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S, but teamwork makes it manageable. Sharing responsibilities with experts on campus helps her maintain this balance, allowing her to fulfill both personal and professional commitments effectively.
Advice for Aspiring Educational Leaders
When asked for advice for upcoming educational leaders, especially women, Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S emphasized the importance of adaptability and empowerment in the ever-changing educational landscape. She believes education should transcend mere knowledge acquisition, aiming instead to make life meaningful. Dr. Sr. Mary Louisa S advocates living by example and addressing current societal needs, highlighting that education broadens vision and provides purpose to life.
