Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral has been appointed as the 20th Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University. Chancellor of the University and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal officially appointed Baral to fill the vacant Vice Chancellor post at TU on February 22, 2024 (Falgun 10, 2080).
The selection process, spearheaded by Minister of Education, Science, and Technology Ashok Kumar Rai, included recommendations for Baral alongside Chitra Bahadur Budhathoki and Tankanath Dhamala. Out of 43 applications received for the Vice Chancellor role, 14 candidates were shortlisted for presentations and interviews. Following a rigorous assessment process, three individuals emerged as recommendations for appointment based on their educational qualifications, training, research contributions, and interview performances, as stated by the Prime Minister's Office. The appointment of Prof. Dr. Keshar J. Baral marks a significant milestone in the academic leadership of Tribhuvan University, promising new avenues for growth and development within the institution.
Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral also held the esteemed position of professor of management and is a former Vice Chancellor of Pokhara University. In a brief program held at TU Smriti Bhawan, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Baral articulated his vision for Tribhuvan University, emphasizing the creation and implementation of an appropriate academic calendar to address immediate challenges. He expressed his commitment to reviving the Faculty of Humanities and Pedagogy, promoting local knowledge and skills, and restructuring Tribhuvan University in collaboration with the state and private sector in higher education. Prof. Dr. Baral believes that success in implementing his plan to develop the university into a well-organized and unparalleled educational institution can only be achieved with the support of all stakeholders - faculty, staff, and students.
Dr. Baral's academic qualifications include a PhD from the Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, India, earned in 1997. He also holds a Degree in Business Administration and Commerce from Tribhuvan University (T.U.) in 1982, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral began his teaching journey at Mahendra Morang Adarsha Multiple Campus in Nepal in 1982. Over the years, he instructed a diverse array of courses spanning intermediate, Bachelor, and Master's programs. Transitioning to Prithvi Narayan Campus, he specialized in finance courses until 1993 when he pursued a PhD. After earning his PhD in 1997, Prof. Dr. Baral resumed teaching until 2007 when he assumed the prestigious role of Vice Chancellor at Pokhara University. Following his tenure, he returned to the classroom until 2012, after which he served as a visiting professor at Herberger Business School in the U.S. Continuing to impart knowledge and supervise research, Prof. Dr. Baral retired from Tribhuvan University in 2020.
In addition to his illustrious teaching career, Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral held various administrative positions and provided consultancy services. He made significant contributions to curriculum development and policy formulation and served on committees for higher education institutions and governmental bodies. Prof. Dr. Baral played a pivotal role in the establishment of Nepal Open University and was instrumental in drafting the Higher Education Bill. He also served on the EQAA Council for UGC, Nepal.
