Advisory Board

Prof. Aswani K. Volety

Chancellor, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Prof. Aswani K. Volety

Chancellor, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Prof. Aswani K. Volety is the seventh Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). With a rich academic background, he holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the College of William & Mary and a Master’s Degree in Zoology with a specialization in Marine Biology from Andhra University, India. He has also completed executive education in management and leadership at Harvard University and is a Fulbright Fellow to France. Before his chancellorship, he served as provost at Elon University, USA and previously held leadership roles at Florida Gulf Coast University and UNCW itself, where he was dean of the former College of Arts and Sciences and executive director of the Center for Marine Science.

Since joining UNCW as chancellor, Prof. Volety has led transformative initiatives that align with the university’s values through the Soar Higher Strategic Plan and a new campus master plan. His leadership has resulted in enhanced student support, a rise in research and scholarship funding to over $33 million, and stronger global partnerships. Under his guidance, UNCW has celebrated athletic successes, completed a historic fundraising campaign exceeding $136 million, and received a record-breaking $25 million philanthropic gift in 2025 for programs in healthcare and teacher education.

Prof. Volety’s impact extends beyond campus. A 2024 study highlighted UNCW’s $3.2 billion economic contribution to North Carolina. He currently serves as president of the National Shellfisheries Association and sits on the North Carolina Biotechnology Center Board of Directors. His blend of scientific expertise, administrative excellence, and community vision continues to elevate UNCW’s regional and national reputation.

Prof. Carlos Moslares

Emeritus Professor, IQS School of Management,
University Ramon Llull, Spain

Prof. Carlos Moslares

Emeritus Professor, IQS School of Management, University Ramon Llull, Spain

Prof. Carlos Moslares is a distinguished academic and international business expert with a career bridging higher education, global collaboration, and private sector leadership. He holds a degree in Economics and Business from the University of Barcelona, a Diploma in International Trade from the University of Miami, and both a Master’s in Economics (1994) and a Ph.D. (1997) from Florida International University, USA. His professional background includes leadership roles in Algeria as Financial Director for Empresas Constructoras Asociadas and in the USA with organizations such as the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Cheminova, IVEX, Proexca, and Strategies and Solutions.

Joining IQS School of Management in 1997, Prof. Moslares served as Vice Dean (2008–2015), Dean (2015–2023), and Director of International Programs and Alliances (2023–2025). He was the founding Director of the Joint Master in Global Entrepreneurial Management with the University of San Francisco (USA) and Fu Jen University (Taipei, Taiwan), a program ranked by the Financial Times among the best in International Management. His global academic engagements include serving on AACSB Peer Review Teams, often as Chair, for universities in Europe, the USA, Africa, and Asia.

An active researcher in International Trade and Economics, Prof. Moslares has authored books and articles, and has been invited as a visiting professor or speaker at universities across Germany, USA, Mexico, Morocco, India, France, Sweden,Taiwan, and the UK. As a consultant, he has contributed to international projects funded by the Spanish International Cooperation Organization and other agencies, advancing education, trade, and policy initiatives worldwide.

Prof. Harinarayana Devabaktina

Former Professor and Administrator Andhra University, GITAM University & IIIT

Prof. Harinarayana Devabaktina

Former Professor and Administrator Andhra University, GITAM University & IIIT

Professor D. Harinarayana is a distinguished academician with over four decades of service in higher education as a teacher, researcher, and administrator. He earned his Ph.D. from the renowned Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bangalore, and began his career at Andhra University in 1977 as a lecturer in the Department of Economics. He rose to the rank of Professor in 1993. His scholarly work spans both traditional areas like international and labour economics, and forward-looking domains such as distance education, a field he has championed for over 30 years.

His administrative journey began with his role as Director of the School of Distance Education at Andhra University (2000–2008), where he expanded access to higher education through the introduction of 40 new programs and a significant rise in enrolment. He later served as Dean of Academic Affairs during 2008–09, overseeing curriculum development, research, and faculty matters. From 2009 to 2016, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor of a GITAM university, where he played a key role in academic policy, faculty development, and distance learning initiatives. In 2016, he moved to The University of Papua New Guinea as Executive Director of Open College, leading efforts to introduce ten new programs and doubling outreach to underserved students.

Currently, Prof. Harinarayana is associated with the Society for Integrated Development and Research in Visakhapatnam, contributing to research, policy advisory work, and community development.
He has led research projects in emerging areas, authored publications in economics and education, and continues to mentor institutions and scholars. Balancing academic, administrative, and policy roles with distinction, his legacy reflects a deep commitment to accessible, inclusive, and quality higher education.

Mr. Madhusudana Rao Devineni

Retired Chartered Accountant, Educational Reformer and
Organic Farming Advocate

Mr. Madhusudana Rao Devineni

Retired Chartered Accountant, Educational Reformer and Organic Farming Advocate

D. Madhusudana Rao (born 1947) is a Chartered Accountant. He initially worked in the engineering industry and later founded M.R. Devineni & Co., an accounting firm. In 1986, he co-founded Hi-Tech Print Systems Ltd. near Gannavaram, introducing secure printing technologies like barcoded answer sheets, OMR/OCR processing, and mobile recharge cards. These innovations significantly improved examination transparency and certificate security across 250+ universities. He sold the successful venture in 2007 to return to village life.

Post-retirement, he settled in Tenneru village, dedicating himself to organic farming using compost and natural methods for over 22 years. He continues to grow 200+ medicinal and herbal plants. A committed to school education in India, he supported 60–70 students by offering study space at home, published 34 educational books, and helped government schools improve their library access and learning quality.

Between 2017 and 2019, he worked with the School Education Department, visiting teacher training institutes and contributing in drafting policy reports. He conducted 128 weekly radio shows on TORI Radio focusing on education reform. Although some community programs paused post-COVID, he remains actively involved in promoting biogas awareness, sustainable farming, and student skill development through mentoring and public engagement.

Prof.Prasada Rao Bodepudi

Former Professor and Administrator Andhra University

Prof. Prasada Rao Bodepudi

Former Professor and Administrator Andhra University

Prof. Bodepudi Prasada Rao is a distinguished economist and academic leader with an extensive career in teaching, research, and higher education administration. He earned his B.A. (Hons) and M.A. in Economics from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, and later completed his Ph.D. at Ohio State University, USA, in 1970. He began his teaching career as a Lecturer in Economics at The Gudivada College in 1956 before joining Andhra University, where he rose through the ranks from Lecturer to Professor (1975–1994).

At Andhra University, Prof. Prasada Rao held several key leadership positions, including Dean of Arts Faculty (1978–1981), Director of the School of Economics (1979–1983), Head of the Department of Applied Economics (1983–1985), and Chairman of the Board of Studies (1985–1988). He also served as Dean of Academic Affairs (1984–1987), Convener of the First Andhra University Common Entrance Test (1991–1992), Director of the A.E.R. Centre, and Principal of AU Colleges of Arts & Commerce. His research guidance includes mentoring 10 Ph.D. and 8 M.Phil. scholars.

Prof. Prasada Rao’s academic contributions span national and international forums. He has attended global conferences, conducted research projects such as the Implementation of Land Reforms in Andhra Pradesh, and served as Assistant Director and Director for various management and economic studies. He has published works on economics and agricultural credit, and presented at workshops and conferences in Brazil, Berlin, and Bangkok. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing economics education and institutional development in India and beyond.

Mr. Praveen Attaluri

Founder & CEO, Zura Labs

Mr. Praveen Attaluri

Founder & CEO, Zura Labs

Mr. Praveen Attaluri is an IT professional and Data Science expert with over 25 years of experience in technology, product development, and entrepreneurship. He co-founded Zura Labs, an AI company, after serving as Co-founder and CTO of U-Sky Pvt. Ltd., an edtech firm. Earlier in his career, he worked with Oracle, USA, and later founded Jasp Labs Pvt. Ltd., an IT consulting firm in India.

Over the years, Mr. Attaluri has gained hands-on experience in executing AI-driven projects across multiple domains. His portfolio includes solutions for USA Railways, healthcare systems, education platforms for U.S. universities, advanced data analytics and visualizations for Andhra Pradesh Government schools, and personalized learning platforms. His ability to bridge technical expertise with practical applications has positioned him as a trusted leader in the AI and IT landscape

Beyond his corporate and entrepreneurial journey, Mr. Attaluri is deeply invested in innovation and knowledge-sharing. He continues to mentor technology initiatives, contribute to education reforms, and promote the integration of AI in real-world problem solving. With a strong vision for the future, he remains committed to advancing technology solutions that create meaningful impact at both regional and global levels.

Prof.Siva Rama Krishna Kolla

President, Medicity Institute of Medical Sciences and Former Vice Chancellor, GITAM

Prof. Siva Rama Krishna Kolla

President, Medicity Institute of Medical Sciences and Former Vice Chancellor, GITAM

Prof. Kolla Siva Rama Krishna is a distinguished academic and administrator with over four decades of experience in management education and research. Beginning his academic journey in 1985 as a Lecturer, he rose through the ranks to become Professor at the College of Management Studies, GITAM Institute of Management, where he has served since 1997. His specialization lies in Human Resource Management, and he has taught diverse courses ranging from HRM and Industrial Relations to Performance Management and Entrepreneurship. A committed researcher since 1987, he has supervised several doctoral theses and completed two major UGC-sponsored research projects on HRD and Institute-Industry interaction. He has authored 13 books and published 17 scholarly papers in reputed journals, along with contributing to national and international seminars, totalling over 30 participations globally in countries such as the UK, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.

Prof. Siva Rama Krishna has organized more than 45 seminars and conferences and led over 25 faculty and management development programs across India. His consultancy work spans key sectors including energy, education, and manufacturing, with nine major surveys and assignments to his credit. He has delivered several invited lectures and served as a resource person for diverse academic and industry forums. As a seasoned academic leader, he held positions including Dean, Principal, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor at GITAM University, contributing significantly to academic governance, curriculum development, and institutional strategy. He is an active member of numerous academic, professional, and civil society bodies, including NIPM, ISTD, AIMA, and CII, and has served on Boards of Studies, research councils, and accreditation panels such as NAAC. Beyond academia, he is also a decorated NCC ‘C’ Certificate holder, Indian Para Trooper, and former university-level athlete, exemplifying a well-rounded professional and personal journey.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao Vegendla

Chairman & Managing Director, BT&BT

Mr. Srinivasa Rao Vegendla

Chairman & Managing Director, BT&BT

Mr.V Srinivasa Rao is the Chairman and Managing Director of BT&BT with a strong educational and professional foundation in technology and business strategy. Over the years, he has held leadership positions at leading IT companies such as Tech Mahindra, Infosys, TCS, iGATE, and Satyam Computers. His global exposure spans across 25 countries, where he has engaged with diverse industries and clients. He has also contributed significantly to national and international bodies through roles in organizations like Institution of Engineering and Technology India,Project Management Institute India, and the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Throughout his career, VSR has been a pioneer in digital transformation. He played a key role in the Satyam turnaround story, which earned him immense recognition. He developed the Lean Digital Business Excellence Model and has invested in digital innovation tools such as QEnhancer and CoInnovator. He is the author of 4 books, including Lean Digital Thinking and Bharat 2047, and regularly advises CXOs, government officials, and institutions on digital strategy and policy-making.

VSR is a highly sought-after speaker at platforms like CII, FICCI, and NASSCOM and is known for his practical insights into leadership, technology, and governance. He is passionate about building a new-age India rooted in transparency, empathy, and sustainability. Through his Telugu podcast and writing, he continues to share knowledge and inspire leaders across fields including education, politics, healthcare and Technology.

Major General Venkata Rao Bollina

Army Veteran, Educationist and Social Activist

Major General Venkata Rao Bollina

Army Veteran, Educationist and Social Activist

Major General Bollina Venkata Rao, PVSM, VSM, is a distinguished veteran of the Indian Army with a rich academic and military foundation. An alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda, he graduated from the National Defence Academy, Pune, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He holds an M.Tech in Structural Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, an M.Phil in Strategic Studies and Defence Management from Indore University, and an M.Sc in Defence Studies from Madras University. Commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1982, he dedicated 37 years to the service and retired as a Major General in July 2019.

Throughout his career, Maj. Gen. Venkata Rao played vital roles in major operations including Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka), Operation Vijay (Kargil), Operation Parakram, and counter-terrorist missions in Jammu & Kashmir. His command roles ranged from leading engineering and infantry formations to heading a Counter Insurgency Force in J&K. He also served in strategic staff roles at the Ministry of Defence, Assam Rifles HQ, Strategic Forces Command, and during the Kargil operations. As a trainer, he contributed to the Bhutan Army, instructing in leadership, tactics, and strategic planning. For his exemplary service, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2019, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2017, and multiple commendations by the Chief of Army Staff and Army Commanders.

In retirement, Maj. Gen. Venkata Rao is actively involved in farming, social initiatives, and youth empowerment. As the Convener of Youth for Nation (Y4N) in Andhra Pradesh, he motivates students through talks and career guidance for armed forces aspirants. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu.

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