Appointed New Principal for American College, Madurai; After Sudden Suspension of Predecessor

Leadership Transition at American College, Madurai: Principal Suspended Ahead of Retirement, New Principal Appointed

MADURAI, June 1, 2025 – The American College in Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most respected educational institutions, has undergone a sudden leadership transition following the suspension of its outgoing Principal and the appointment of a new one.

Dr. M. Davamani Christober, who served as the Principal and Secretary of the college, was suspended from service by the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Tamil Nadu, on May 30, 2025 — just one day before his scheduled retirement. The suspension is linked to an ongoing preliminary investigation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), which is probing allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

According to official sources in the Directorate, permission was granted to initiate a preliminary inquiry into Dr. Christober’s financial conduct. The suspension order, dated May 29, was first sent to the college through email late that night and formally handed over the following morning. The action was taken in accordance with Section 19(3) of the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges Regulation Act.

“In light of the DVAC inquiry, the government has issued instructions to suspend Dr. Davamani Christober pending further investigation,” a senior official from the Directorate in Chennai confirmed.

In response to the unexpected vacancy in leadership, the college management moved swiftly to maintain stability. Senior faculty member Prof. Dr. Kannabiran was appointed as the Interim Principal on May 30, ensuring that the academic and administrative functions of the institution continued without disruption.

The very next day, on May 31, 2025, an emergency meeting of the college’s Governing Council was convened to formally appoint a new Principal. After the selection process, Dr. J. Paul Jayakar, Associate Professor and Head of the Postgraduate and Research Department of English, was chosen to take over the leadership of the college.

Dr. Jayakar is a long-serving faculty member known for his academic contributions and administrative experience. His appointment marks a new chapter for the college as it moves forward under new leadership. Faculty, staff, and college officials have extended their best wishes and support to the newly appointed Principal.

Dr. Jayakar officially takes charge following the interim leadership of Dr. Kannabiran, who had served in the role temporarily after Dr. Christober’s suspension. The transition was described by insiders as smooth and timely.

While the college community has acknowledged the significance of the change, officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on academic excellence and institutional integrity during this period. The management has not issued a formal public statement on the suspension but has confirmed that all necessary procedures were followed as per government regulations.

The Directorate of Collegiate Education and the DVAC are expected to continue their investigation, and further updates may be released depending on the outcome of the inquiry.

The American College, established in 1881, has a long-standing reputation for academic achievement and social service. The recent developments, while unusual, reflect the institution’s commitment to governance and transparency.

As the college prepares for the upcoming academic term under new leadership, stakeholders and alumni are hopeful that the transition will reinforce the values and mission the college has upheld for more than a century.