As the Group Pro Chancellor of Ganpat University, Dr. Mahendra Sharma leads the academic and executive functions of the University. He has over 25 years of experience in developing and delivering industry-focused and skill-based programs in various academic disciplines. He has curated transformational Educational Models that have been instrumental in ensuring Student Success and University evolution. He is Professor with a Ph.D. in Management.

Dr. Sharma's tenure has been marked by pioneering and innovative initiatives to align education with Gujarat state’s rapidly growing demands of industries. His strategic approach bridged the industry-academia gap and created robust framework to prepare the students for global challenges. Through strategic partnerships with industry giants including TCS, Tata Motors, IBM, SAS, Maruti Suzuki, EInfochips, Stratasys, EC Council, NASSCOM, NSDC, Marengo CIMS and Shalby, an ecosystem is created where theoretical knowledge meets practical expertise. Dr. Mahendra Sharma’s visionary leadership led to introduction of sector-specific MBA programs with specialization in Pharmaceuticals, International Business, Agribusiness, Financial Services, Business Analytics, and Healthcare Management.

In his role as the Vice Chancellor (Director General), Dr. Sharma led the university through a decade of unparalleled growth and path-breaking initiatives to remain at the forefront of education and research. Most significantly, his vision has materialized in the establishment of cutting-edge centers of excellences, including the prestigious National Additive Manufacturing Centre- West, National Centre for Training and Assessment for Electronics, National Centre for Training and Assessment for Rubber, Chemical & Petrochemical, National Centre for Training and Assessment for Aerospace and Aviation, Japan India Institute of Manufacturing, GUNI- Bosch-Rexroth Centre for Automation Technology, Centre of Advanced Technology Centre for Next-Generation Networks (5G & beyond), GUNI - Bosch Artisan Centre, Toronto Business Development Centre, AAK- FICSI- GUNI Centre for Choco Bakery and GUNI - Centre for Bharatiya Knowledge System & Ancient Wisdom (BKS & AW).

As the Pro Chancellor, Dr. Sharma has redefined the academic standards to leave an indelible mark on the university’s core mission. His global outlook has resulted in numerous international collaborations of Ganpat University with Cal Poly Pomona, Michigan State University, Glendel University, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Lincoln University in the United States; Torrens University and Edith Cowan University in Australia; University of Dubai and Abu Dhabi University in the Middle East and Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, etc. His emphasis on research and development has fostered an environment of continuous innovation to make Ganpat University a beacon of educational excellence. Dr. Mahendra Sharma has been instrumental in strengthening the internationalization of Ganpat University through impactful initiatives like organization of HR Conclave in Dubai, Skill India Conclave in Goa and Case Writing Workshop in Dubai. His vision to establish the university as a leader in AI-driven advancements, empowering students and faculty to leverage cutting-edge technologies are truly remarkable.

Across these roles, he has overseen Academic governance and institutional strategy, Establishment of new campuses in Ahmedabad and Goa, Expansion of multidisciplinary faculties, Development of industry-embedded curricula and skill frameworks, Strengthening of global partnerships with universities and industries across the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Africa, and Asia

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Mahendra Sharma, the institution has achieved remarkable milestones and prestigious recognitions like ‘A’ Grade by NAAC in its first cycle of accreditation, Diamond Ratings by QS I – GAUGE in Indian University Ratings 2025 and 5-Star Rating in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) from the Government of Gujarat for its innovative, industry-linked programs and outstanding contributions to education. Ganpat University is also notified as the Centre of Excellence status by the Government of Gujarat. The university secured the highest rating of 4 Stars in the Education Ministry’s Institutions Innovation Council (IIC) 5.0, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. Additionally, the Pharmacy Institute of Ganpat University ranked among India’s Top 125 Pharmacy Institutes in the NIRF Rankings 2024 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in the 101-125 rank band. Furthermore, the university has received NGO 2A Grading from CARE Edge for reflecting High Delivery and High Organizational Capability. These accolades underscore Dr. Sharma's dedication to excellence and his transformative impact on the university’s journey.

Dr. Mahendra Sharma, has been honored with numerous prestigious awards and recognitions that underscore his exceptional contributions to education and leadership. He was recently conferred the Stellar Innovator of the Year Award-2025 and Innovative CEO of the Year Award-2025 by the Services Export Promotion Council of India, Dewang Mehta National Education Leadership Award 2024’ and the ‘Edupreneur of the Year Award 2024’ by the Services Export Promotion Council of India under the Ministry of Commerce, to recognize his entrepreneurial spirit in education. Dr. Sharma received the ‘Outstanding Tech Visionary Vice-Chancellor of the Year’ Award from The Economic Times at the Education (TechEDU) Awards 2024, and he was listed among the ‘100 Outstanding Contributing Vice-Chancellors’ by the World Education Congress. His earlier accolades include the ‘Edupreneur of the Year Award’ for Promoting Higher Education in Western India by ASSOCHAM and the Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Education Award by the World Education Congress and Private Universities Forum.

Beyond awards, Dr. Sharma serves in influential capacities as the Chair of the Education Committee for (Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry, India (ASSOCHAM) Gujarat and Goa state Chapter, Special Advisor of the National Education Council of ASSOCHAM, and Chair of the Education Committee for PHDCCI-Gujarat Chapter. He is also the Member of Empowered Committee of the proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, Member of the Board of Governors at the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) and Member of CII Western Region Taskforce on Education for 2025–26, extending his influence across higher education institutions in India and abroad. These honors reflect his vision, dedication, and transformative impact on education and institutional excellence.