Dean

Prof. Dr. R. Nagaraja is presently serving as Dean, Mysore Veterinary College, Bengaluru, under Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Karnataka. He is a distinguished academician, researcher, administrator, and veterinary professional with more than 31 years of experience in veterinary education, research, extension, and university administration since joining university service in 1995.
An alumnus of Veterinary College, Bangalore, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, and the University of British Columbia, Canada, Prof. Nagaraja obtained his PhD from UBC, Vancouver, Canada, under the prestigious International Commonwealth Scholarship along with several international fellowships and assistantships.
His areas of specialization include Animal Reproduction, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary Surgery, livestock development, animal welfare, and farmer oriented extension services. He has served in several important academic and administrative positions including Dean, Head of Division (Animal and Poultry Science), Head of Department, Liaison Officer, Principal Investigator, and Officer In charge under KVAFSU.
Prof. Nagaraja, as a Dean, played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the new Veterinary College at Gadag, which stands as a benchmark institutional achievement under the University. Through dedicated planning, coordinated execution, and timely implementation of academic, administrative, and infrastructure targets, he successfully led the institution in obtaining mandatory approvals and recognition from the Veterinary Council of India, ensuring recognition of the BVSc and AH degree programme and enabling graduates to pursue professional practice and higher education.
Another significant highlight of his career has been his key role in the successful implementation of the ICAR funded Mega Sheep Seed Project on Mandya Sheep under the Government of India. The project emerged as a nationally recognized role model initiative with benchmark achievements in elite sheep germplasm development, farmer beneficiary outreach, rural livelihood enhancement, and sustainable livestock development.
Prof. Nagaraja has served as Member of the Academic Council and Board of Studies of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and has actively contributed towards academic planning, university administration, policy decisions, faculty appointments, promotions, admissions, and disciplinary and enquiry committees at the University level.
As an academic mentor and researcher, he has guided several Master’s and PhD theses and published more than 30 well cited research publications in reputed national and international journals. He has also successfully handled several State and Central Government funded research and development projects.
Prof. Nagaraja has received several prestigious scholarships and fellowships including the Commonwealth Scholarship, Elizabeth R. Howland Fellowship, Canadian Institute of Health Research Travel Grant, and ICAR Junior Fellowship.
He is a life member of several professional organizations including the Karnataka Veterinary Council, Indian Society for Veterinary Surgery, Karnataka Veterinary Association, and Alumni Associations of Veterinary College Bangalore and the University of British Columbia, Canada.
Known for his disciplined, principled, and transparent administrative approach, Prof. Nagaraja continues to contribute significantly towards strengthening veterinary education, research, institutional development, and farmer welfare initiatives.