Dr. Mercia Selva Malar Justin has more than thirty years of experience in teaching business-related academics at various universities and colleges.As a post-graduate of Commerce, she has always been interested in the academics of commerce, business and management. Before joining CIM, she worked as an Associate Professor at Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore.
Dr. Mercia has an extensive and diverse professional background with experience in academia and industry. She has an experience of over thirteen years as Head of the Department and as the Dean of Academic Affairs. She also has international research experience with the DFID-DelPHE team, coordinating UK, Ghana, and Tanzania researchers, and industry experience with James Group of Institutions, MecitInfotech Pvt. Ltd., ACIS, KSFE Ltd., LUGI, ISSR, MVM, etc. as a consultant. She has also been an active voluntary consultant for the Abdul-Aziz Bin Humaid Leadership Programme, in Ajman, UAE, and a national trainer for Junior Chamber International, India. This experience showcases her ability to collaborate across borders, and her diverse industry experience provides her with a practical perspective that complements her academic leadership.
She has known CIM for several years and is a PhD guide, and also a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Faith and Management. Here is a snippet of our conversation with Dr. Mercia.
Q: What is your one "go-to" verse from the Bible that was a promise from God and has been an anchor throughout your life?
A: The one “go-to” verse would be Romans 8:28: "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose”. Psalm 23, Psalm 34, Phil 4:13, the Beatitudes, Phil 4:6-8 and Psalm 103 are my other favourite scripture verses strengthening me at any time and in any situation.
Q: What is your passion? Has teaching and academics always been of interest to you?
A: My passion is writing, singing and teaching. Yes, right from the summer holidays of when I was in 10th standard , I have been teaching Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, etc. After my post-graduation, I started teaching and have been a teacher since then. I am passionate about building the lives of young people with strong ethical values and academic concepts. I have been part of mission services through the North India Missionary Society for four decades in various ways. I have been serving Leadership Roundtable, Bless India Project, Disicpling Marketplace Leaders, Global Trust Partners, Lead Today and Bible Education through Extension as a volunteer.
Q: Looking back, what are the lessons or things that you have learned from your career?
A: I am thankful to God for the way He has led me through my career to be a blessing to my students and the institutions that I have served. I have learned that by being generous and kind, we can share the love of Christ with our colleagues and students. God has been gracious in providing to me the opportunity and privilege to serve Him through various mission initiatives. It is God who has made me all that I am, and to Him be all the glory, honour and praise.
My career growth, academic improvements and continuous learning were possible only through God’s answers to prayer. God has guided and led me to the places in His will and leads me towards greater plans as I live in His presence. I have learned to forgive others who unreasonably treat me with harshness and impoliteness as Lord Jesus has forgiven me. Whenever someone at the workplace acts unkindly towards me, my response is always being kind and quiet. God has been teaching me, moulding me and shaping me through my career.
Q: As the Director of Management Programmes, Research and Publications at CIM, what are your hopes and plans going forward?
A: I want to increase the number of registrations in Courses. I also hope to launch the first issue of the International Journal of Faith and Management and take it to Scopus Indexed status. And hope to bring out publications based on the consultations that will be globally recognized.
I will strive to make CIM the Center of Excellence for research in Christian Leadership, Christian Financial Management, Environment, Social and Governance, Impact Investing, MSMEs and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Mercia’s multifaceted experience in academia, international research, industry, consultancy and training highlights her efficiency as a leader and an expert in her field. Her contributions have not only enhanced the institutions she has served, but also positively impacted the broader educational and professional landscape. Now, in her role as the new Director at CIM, she is positive that joining CIM is part of God’s eternal plan being fulfilled at the right time according to His will.