Alpha College of Engineering

Dr. B.Sowmya is the Principal of the Alpha College of Engineering, Chennai. She holds a Ph.D. in ‘Satellite Image Interpretation’ from Sathyabama University. She has 25 years of experience in the academic, administrative, and research fields. Read what she has to say in her interview. 

Can you give us a brief idea about your background and your journey to becoming the Principal of Alpha College of Engineering?

“The journey has been rewarding throughout the years” 

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bharathidasan University. I started my teaching career as a lecturer at Sathyabama Engineering College, Chennai. I love teaching engineering subjects because sharing my knowledge with young minds makes me happy. It stimulates one’s innovation and growth. My learning thirst urged me to join M.tech in Anna University through GATE. To set me another goal to achieve, I pursued my research in satellite image interpretation and got my doctorate. I am a recognized research supervisor at Anna University, Annamalai University, Bharathiar University, and St. Peter's University. To try my hand at an administrative role I joined Dr. Pauls Engineering College as Head of the ECE department. I shifted to Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering as Professor in-charge of the Centre for Research. With nearly 25 years of Academic, Administrative, and Research experience, I have been heading Alpha College of Engineering as Principal, for the past three years.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

“A regular pattern of praise and recognition”

I consider myself as an affiliative leader. I believe in promoting harmony among my team of people, whether they are faculty members, staff members, or students. I appreciate them for their achievements and guide them when they need it. I allow them the choice and freedom of means and ways to reach them. It improves team morale and trust. I continuously monitor their performance. In case of any change in their performance, I intervene and ensure that they are on the right path. My educational philosophy is that all students can learn when motivated in the right way and given a positive and vibrant teaching-learning environment under strong, dynamic, and knowledgeable leadership. 

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How does the curriculum of Alpha College of Engineering ensure the best practice of industry?

“Taking initiatives that involve industry personnel for better insight”

ACE is affiliated to Anna University and as such whatever changes and modifications the University is making will be adapted by ACE. Apart from the modified Curriculum and regulations, the CDC of ACE identifies the gaps between what is covered in the Curriculum and what is expected by the industry. We offer Mechatronics and Machine Learning courses to our students endorsed by industry partners. Members of the Academic-Industry Council of ACE meet annually, to review the Syllabus as well as to validate the Value-added courses and suggest new initiatives for improving the learning experience of students.

Alpha College of Engineering takes pride in positioning its students in the international arena by offering International SWISSMEM Certification Courses to all its students. SWISSMEM is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland’s mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) and related technology-oriented sectors. It offers highest SWISS know-how with modern SWISS teaching methodologies.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“Equipping our faculty with skills to help our students in the best way”

Alpha College of Engineering has an innovative initiative - Faculty Advisor Program (FAP). FAP is an art of counseling the students in improving their academic excellence and thus empowering the students to face the society. This initiative actively counsels any aspiring students, irrespective of their social and economic backgrounds. The FAP aims to fulfill the day to day needs of the students both in academics and personal front. Each faculty member will be a guide for a small group of students. It enables the students to refresh on what they have learned and paves the way to update their technical knowledge. FAP allows the students to learn a subject from any teacher of their choice. The learning is not confined to subjects alone. The students are encouraged to explore new ideas, concepts, and projects of their choice. Alpha College of Engineering facilitates scholarships for students from lower-income groups. ACE has a cultural club apart from the regular literary and art clubs. The Activities Organized by the club promotes unity among diversity.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the College and the students are?

“Effective management of all the physical and fiscal resources”

As the Principal of the institution, my roles and responsibilities are:

  • Formulation and implementation of college policies
  • Delegation of work to all personnel
  • Effective Management of all personnel, physical and fiscal resources institute
  • Analyzing and Enhancing the performance of Staff and Students
  • Enhancement of Curriculum and Academic standards
  • Ensuring support, goodwill, and building partnerships with Parents, Alumni, Local Community, Media, and other Stakeholders.

What was your vision for the college? Has it evolved, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

“To be a Center of Research and Development”

The wonderful Management and peaceful ambiance of Alpha College of Engineering made me think that this is the institute I always dreamt about - to serve for the rest of my career. The passion I have for teaching and the encouragement I received from management has kept me motivated. From the starting of my tenure in Alpha College of engineering, I envisioned making it the research and consulting hub for all industries. We are getting necessary inputs from industries to create their research labs in our college. 

What would you like people to know about your college they may not know? 

“Partnerships with esteemed organizations for the best outcomes”

  • The Career Development Cell (CDC) of ACE trains all students in technical and non-technical skills relevant to the respective industries, from the first year of their study onwards.
  • ACE has 4 important centers of Excellence, under which students are trained for their careers 
  • Center for Excellence in Data Science and Big Data Analytics under ICT Academy and DELL EMC; 
  • Center for excellence in (Certification in core Java) Oracle Academy; 
  • Center for Excellence in (CCNA Certification) CISCO Networking Academy.
  • Center for Excellence in Design Academy for Auto Desk inventor.
  • ACE is associated with PALS (Pan IIT Leadership Series) and under that partnership, students regularly participate in its flagship students’ Project contest - “INNOWAH”.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute?

“Encouragement for collaborative work”

Alpha College of Engineering is a home away from home. Utmost care is given to the students of Alpha so that they feel physically and emotionally safe and bonded. There is a good rapport between the Faculty members and students and among students. Students can be themselves and express their views without hesitation to the teachers. Students, their ideas, and thoughts are valued and respected in Alpha. They work together as a team. Different experiences and expertise are appreciated in Alpha.

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