Bhubaneswar, July 17: Anthropologist Soumendra Mohan Patnaik has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Utkal University.

Governor S.C. Jamir, who is the chancellor of all state universities, selected Das from the short-listed candidates for the topmost post of the state's premier university.

A three-member search and selection committee consisting of a member from the university syndicate, University Grants Commission (UGC) and a vice-chancellor was constituted for the purpose.

Former chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati, vice-chancellor of South Bihar Central University, Harish Chandra Singh Rathore and Odisha Skill Development Authority chairperson Subrato Bagchi are members of the committee.

At present, Patnaik is working as the professor of anthropology at University of Delhi and has been teaching social anthropology for the past 25 years.

He will hold the office for a period of three years with effect from the date he assumes office.

Expressing joy over his appointment, Patnaik said he would work towards bettering the rank of the varsity in the National Institutional Ranking Framework.

The Utkal University was placed in the 101-150 band this year.

"My aim will be to ensure that the varsity runs smoothly without any problems," he added.

Patnaik has been the president of Indian Anthropological Association.

He has authored three books and published more than 33 research publications in national and international journals.

Many professors from the Utkal University had applied for the coveted post. Among the applicants from the university were professors Ranjan Kumar Bal, K.K. Basa and Jayant Kumar Parida.

Last time, there were more than 100 applicants for the post, including Utkal University professor Samson Maharana (commerce), retired professor of political science of Central University, Hyderabad, Prakash Sarangi, and Bhaba Atomic Research Centre scientist Ashok Das, who was finally selected as the vice-chancellor.