Professor John Varghese will take over as the principal of St Stephen's on March 1.
Professor John Varghese of the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, will be the next principal of Delhi's St Stephen's College. Mr Varghese, who was a professor at St Stephen's English department before joining EFLU, will take charge on March 1.
Announcing the appointment in a communique today, outgoing Principal Valson Thampu said, "The candidates eligible for the post were interviewed in detail today and the selection of Professor Varghese was unanimous."
The selection was made by th eSupreme Council of the college, which includes members of Church of North India and Professor Thampu.
Describing Professor Varghese as an "outstanding academic, experienced administrator and visionary leader," he said he gave the new principal his "blessings and good wishes" for the "challenges" ahead.
One of the premier colleges of Delhi, St Stephen's had witnessed considerable controversy during the tenure of Reverend Thampu, who was appointed in 2008.
From allegations of forced conversion of an administrative officer to Christianity, banning of e-zine for not seeking permission on content and shielding a professor accused of sexual harassment of a research scholar - several controversies have rocked the college.
As Principal, Professor Thampu, who had been at the centre of the storms, had said the college was being targeted by a "handful of people" for its very excellence and it could "withstand 1000 other controversies."
"I challenge anyone to prove that any allegation levelled against the college had any substance, ever," said Professor Thampu, who had faced several demands for his removal during his rocky tenure.