Loyola College, Williamnagar
The Jesuits established Loyola College, Williamnagar, in 2010. The initiative emerged from the invitation of Bishop George Mamalassery, then Bishop of Tura, who recognised the urgent need for a degree college to serve the Garo community. The foundation was laid with the establishment of Loyola Higher Secondary School in Williamnagar in 2010 under the leadership of Fr Philip Abraham, the first Principal. Building on this foundation, degree programmes were introduced in 2013, marking a significant milestone in expanding higher education opportunities in the region. Institutional leadership was subsequently carried forward by Fr Sunny Augustine from 2015 and later by Fr Athikho Stephen from 2024.
Within a short period, Loyola College established a strong academic reputation. By 2017, its students secured four of the top ten university ranks in the Garo language, and the institution has since maintained a consistent presence in university merit lists for different subjects. Adapting to the semester system introduced by North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), the College expanded its academic offerings by introducing honours programmes across multiple disciplines. To further enhance diversification of courses and employability, BCom was launched in 2016, followed by BSc in 2024.
The mission of Loyola College has been strengthened through collaboration with religious congregations. The Order of the Sisters of St Francis of Assisi (OSF) joined as collaborators in 2013 and the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) in 2024. A sister from the Daughters of St Paul (FSP) also serves as a counsellor. Over the years, the College has benefited from the dedicated service of Jesuits from various provinces, whose academic leadership and pastoral commitment have been instrumental in shaping the institution’s growth and academic excellence.
At present, the College has 2,462 students with 57 faculty and staff members, supported by 29 non-teaching staff. Two staff quarters provide accommodation for 36 staff members.
Beyond academics, Loyola College is committed to integral education, leadership formation and rural transformation. The institution promotes sustainable development through rainwater harvesting, green campus initiatives, fruit orchards, solar energy use and modern teaching technologies. Skill-oriented certificate courses in areas such as Tally, communication skills, agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, bakery production and model farming further enhance student employability.
The presence of this college has addressed the need for higher education, especially in the East, North and South Garo Hills Districts of Garo Hills whose students otherwise would have lost a chance to pursue their studies. It is a matter of joy that Loyola College has bridged the knowledge gap by providing quality education to hundreds of students who otherwise would not have entered the portals of a higher education institution.
Loyola College envisions itself as a beacon of hope for the educational, economic, social, political and spiritual advancement of the Garo community, firmly believing that quality education is the most powerful instrument for empowerment and holistic community development.