The University of Hyderabad has appointed Professor J Anuradha as its in-charge Vice-Chancellor (VC), making her the first woman to hold the position in the institution’s history. 

The appointment came into effect on March 13, 2026, following the retirement of BJ Rao, who stepped down a day earlier upon attaining the age of 70.

Prof. Anuradha, the university’s senior-most faculty member, assumes the role in accordance with institutional statutes. 

A distinguished academic and noted practitioner of Kuchipudi, she brings more than 30 years of teaching, research and administrative experience to the post.

An alumna of the university, she completed her Master’s in Performing Arts in 1990 and earned a PhD in Dance in 1996. 

She joined the faculty in 1993 and has since held key positions, including Head of the Department of Dance and Dean of the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication.

Over the course of her career, Prof. Anuradha has mentored 12 PhD scholars and authored six publications focusing on South Indian art and dance traditions. 

She has also served as an expert with the University Grants Commission and contributed as a resource person for the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

In her statement, she underscored her commitment to ensuring seamless academic and administrative functioning during the interim period, while upholding institutional standards until a full-time Vice-Chancellor is appointed.