Veteran Academic with Over 37 Years of Teaching Experience Takes Charge on July 27, 2025
Lucknow — In a landmark development for higher education in Uttar Pradesh, Prof. Manuka Khanna formally took charge as the Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University on July 27, 2025. With an illustrious academic career spanning nearly four decades, Prof. Khanna brings a wealth of experience, institutional knowledge, and leadership acumen to the role.
An alumna of Lucknow University, Prof. Khanna’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from Isabella Thoburn College in 1985, where she was awarded a Gold Medal. She went on to complete her Master’s in Political Science from Lucknow University in 1987, securing three Gold Medals, and later earned her Ph.D. from the same university in 1992.
Prof. Khanna joined the Department of Political Science at Lucknow University as an Assistant Professor on November 13, 1990. She rose through the ranks to become an Associate Professor in 1999 and a Professor in 2007.
She has held several key administrative positions during her tenure, including:
- Head of the Department (HoD), Political Science (April 13, 2021 – April 13, 2024)
- Dean, Recruitment and Assessment Cell (Since April 4, 2020)
- Pro-Vice Chancellor, Lucknow University (Appointed on May 31, 2024)
Her wide-ranging responsibilities have also included roles such as Provost of Kailash Hall, Provost of Chandra Shekhar Azad Hall, Assistant Dean of Student Welfare, Assistant Proctor, Superintendent of Postgraduate Examinations, and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Results.
Prof. Khanna is also a prolific academic contributor with:
- 12 research papers
- 4 authored books
- 8 book chapters
- 44 paper presentations at national and international platforms
- 70 invited lectures
She has supervised 22 Ph.D. scholars, many of whom have gone on to contribute significantly in the fields of academia and public policy.
Speaking after assuming office, Prof. Khanna stated:
“It is a profound honour to lead an institution as historic and esteemed as Lucknow University. I remain committed to upholding its academic legacy while steering it towards a future defined by innovation, research excellence, and inclusive growth.”
Her appointment has been widely welcomed across the academic community, with faculty, staff, and students expressing confidence in her leadership and vision for the university’s next chapter.
