R.Devadoss Pandian, Ph.D., L.H.D. (Honorary)
Vice-President for Academic Affairs (Retired)
Professor of Mathematics and Dean of Faculty Emeritus
North Central College
Naperville, IL, USA
Dr. R. Devadoss Pandian earned his B.Sc. (American College) and M.Sc. (Madura College) degrees from Madras University and M.Phil. degree from Madurai Kamaraj University, all in the discipline of mathematics. He joined the faculty of American College, his alma mater, in 1965 as Tutor in Mathematics. He served as Hall Superintendent of Washburn Hall for several years and later as Warden of Washburn Hall. Continuing his interest in National Cadet Corps (he was an Under Officer while he was a student), he served as 2/Lt. Senior Division Army Officer as well as Sub. Lt. Naval Officer. In 1978, he left for USA for his Ph.D. work in mathematics at the George Washington University, Washington D.C., which he successfully completed in 1983. For his outstanding performance as graduate student, the university awarded him the James H. Taylor Graduate Mathematics Prize. He was a lecturer, visiting professor, and a post-doctoral fellow at George Washington University. He has published many research articles in international journals and presented papers in mathematical conferences and meetings.
In 1985, he joined North Central College, a comprehensive liberal arts college in Naperville, Illinois, as associate professor of mathematics and was promoted to full professor in 1989. He received several awards in recognition of his outstanding teaching and scholarship: Dissinger Award for Development of Teaching; Burlington Northern Award for Faculty Scholarship; Dissinger Award for Distinguished Teaching and Leadership. He was elected or appointed to serve virtually every major committee in the College. With his passion for excellence and his leadership qualities, in 1993 he was appointed as Chair of Science Division to lead it into the 21st century. But in two years, he was asked to assume the responsibility of Acting Vice-President for Academic Affairs (Acting VPAA) and Dean of Faculty and, a year later, after a national search, he was appointed as the VPAA and Dean of Faculty, a position requiring a deep understanding of higher education in the context of liberal arts environment, exceptional academic accomplishments, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to quality.
During his watch, a new curriculum was adopted, Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research was established, Chicago Term was inaugurated, Foreign Language requirement was passed, Ruge Fellows program to recognize and support best teachers and scholars was established, and more than 75% of full-time faculty was hired. He managed an annual budget of $20 million. He held this position until he retired in 2015 when he was recognized with Professor of Mathematics and Dean of Faculty Emeritus status. He holds the distinction as the longest serving dean. At his retirement, for his 30 years of dedicated service, 10 years as professor of mathematics and 20 years as VPAA and Dean of Faculty, and for his contribution to the College and to higher education, the College awarded him with an honorary doctorate: Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.). Beyond mathematics and higher education, Dr. Pandian who grew up in a family environment with deep interest in politics, has profound interest in and great zeal for public life.