2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
N Geetha and Elva Selson

abstract
The evolving landscape of higher education demands a strategic rethinking of traditional hiring practices, particularly in professional colleges across Central Kerala. This study explores the need to transition from reactive, short-term hiring approaches to a sustainable, long-term investment mind-set in faculty recruitment and retention. By aligning hiring strategies with institutional vision, academic quality benchmarks, and emerging industry trends, colleges can build a resilient talent pipeline that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. The research investigates current hiring challenges, including skill mismatches, attrition, and administrative pressure for quick placements, and presents a framework for strategic workforce planning. Through qualitative insights from academic leaders and HR professionals, this paper proposes actionable recommendations for embedding sustainability into the talent acquisition lifecycle, making hiring a cornerstone of institutional development rather than a routine administrative task.