Q&A with Dr. Bindu Alappat, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Bindu Alappat, an accomplished academic leader and former chemistry professor with over 15 years of experience in Catholic higher education, was recently named Holy Family University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective August 2024. In this role, she will oversee academic planning, program development, faculty support, and student success.
Below, Dr. Alappat shares her vision, journey, and insights in her own words.
HFU: Why Holy Family University?
BA: Several things stood out to me about Holy Family University, especially its mission and core values, which emphasize family and community. I was also impressed by the University’s financial stability, strategic vision, and its recent growth, including a rise in retention rates. Having lived in Chicago for 16 years, relocating to a culturally diverse city like Philadelphia is something I’m excited about.
HFU: What Do You See as Central to Your Role?
BA: The role of Vice President for Academic Affairs is crucial because it’s a driving force for the University— students, faculty, and staff alike. My goal is to work closely with the leadership team while engaging the faculty to improve academic quality and development of educational programs to meet the needs of 21stcentury students. We have a shared responsibility to find solutions and allocate resources to support program initiatives to improve the quality of education for the next generation. That also involved managing the hiring, evaluation, and professional growth with our faculty members to maintain high teaching and research standards. I am committed to ‘walking my talk.’
HFU: Can You Share the Beautiful Story About Your Mother That Inspired Your Interest in Education?
BA: Both of my parents valued education, and my mother, Saramma Varghese worked as a public high school teacher in a poor part of southern India. When she became assistant headmistress, the graduation rate was below 20 percent. She learned that students were missing the study time for thenational exam to help with the rice harvest, so she raised funds, paid the students, fed them, and helped them prepare for the exam. Under her leadership, the graduation rate rose to over 80 percent. Her determination and commitment to providing educational opportunities to her students greatly influenced my passion for education.
HFU: Can You Share More About Your Journey in Higher Education?
BA: I also wanted to be a professor. After earning my Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Technology, I joined my husband in Dubai, but I couldn’t teach there because I didn’t know Arabic. With his support, I applied for a postdoctoral fellowship at Notre Dame University, which brought me to the U.S. with our two young sons. My husband later joined us and we eventually settled in Chicago, where I worked at Saint Xavier University. I became department chair and worked to expand the science program, securing the university’s first National Science Foundation STEM grant. I became the interim Dean there before moving to the Dean position at St. Kate’s. Being in the classroom was always my happy place, but being in the leadership role helped me to realize how much more impact I can have on our students and educational endeavors.
HFU: What Has Been Your Proudest Professional Achievement?
BA: One of my proudest professional achievements has been securing a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant dedicated to advancing student success in STEM programs. I personally engaged with students to understand their needs, and we received $1.46 million in funding. The grant helped create a space for students to learn, collaborate, and conduct research. It became a go-to spot for students, and seeing it thrive was incredibly fulfilling.
HFU: What Is Your Vision for Holy Family's Academic Future?
BA: My vision for our academic future centers on developing and delivering high-quality academic programs that are rigorous and relevant to today’s job market. I want to attract and retain more students by fostering an environment of academic excellence that is committed to developing graduates who are well prepared to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global workforce. I also want to strengthen faculty-student collaboration and build strong alumni relations. Alumni are our best recruiters, and building partnerships that benefit both the University and the community is key.
HFU: What's the Best Advice You've Ever Received?
BA: My father would say, “Your only limits are your fears or perceived challenges. Don’t be afraid of trying anything. Challenge your limits.” That’s advice I live by.
HFU: What Advice Would You Give Students to Succeed at Holy Family?
BA: College is about more than just taking classes. Engage with the life of the University—get involved with faculty, staff, and peers. Find what interests you, join an organization, participate in global and community initiatives, and take on a leadership role. Holy Family has everything you need to make the most of your college experience.