St Stephen’s Female Principal: Susan Elias Creates History

St Stephen’s College in Delhi has appointed Professor Susan Elias as its first female principal. She was appointed on 12 May 2026 and will officially take charge as the 14th principal of the college on 1 June 2026. This marks a historic moment for one of India’s oldest and most respected colleges.

St Stephen’s Female Principal and College History

St Stephen’s College was established in 1881 and is one of the well-known colleges under University of Delhi. The college started admitting women students in 1975, but until now the position of principal had always been held by men.

The appointment of Professor Susan Elias is being seen as an important step towards gender representation in higher education leadership.

Role of the Principal in College Administration

The principal is the head of a college and manages academic activities, faculty coordination, student affairs, and institutional administration. The principal also plays a major role in policy implementation and maintaining the reputation of the institution.

Professor Susan Elias succeeds Professor John Varghese, whose term included several administrative disagreements between the college and the University of Delhi.

Who is Professor Susan Elias?

Susan Elias is a computer scientist with more than 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and university administration. Before becoming the St Stephen’s Female Principal, she served as the Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) at Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh from January to May 2026.

Her experience in academic leadership is expected to help the college move towards modern educational reforms.

New Academic Plans Under St Stephen’s Female Principal

Professor Susan Elias has said that she wants to preserve the legacy of the college while introducing modern learning opportunities for students. She plans to start certification courses related to artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are among the fastest-growing technology fields in higher education and research. These new courses may help students gain advanced technical knowledge and improve career opportunities.

St Stephen’s Female Principal Highlights

• St Stephen’s College was established in 1881.
• Women students were first admitted in 1975.
• Professor Susan Elias will become the 14th principal on 1 June 2026.
• She is the first woman principal in the college’s history.
• New certification courses in AI and quantum computing are being planned.