Mr. Nagegowda K.N. who founded this institution and guided it to reach such an unattainable heights was born on February 1st 1944. Second son of Kempegowda and Choudamma, Nagegowda got his primary and high school education in Malavalli itself. He joined to Vijaya Pre-University College in 1963 and later completed his Engineering graduation at PES College, Mandya. He was an able leader since his student life. He became the president of Mandya district Congress committee in 1974, two times Member of Legislative Council, and served as Minister of Animal Husbandry and as Major Irrigation Minister in Karnataka Government. Under his tenure he proved himself as a true leader.

He possessed an analytical mind, and an infinite capacity for work, a knack for human relations. He was a real academician, politician and a man of generosity. His quick and dashing decisions proved his real leadership qualities and became a role model to many people. A great practitioner who believes in practicing what he preaches. His dreams are brought to reality. ‘Vision, Perseverance and Determination to succeed’ was the motto of his life. A self confessed workaholic he has always been a man with a vision. He believes that all rural students are equally capable and is of the opinion that they should channelise their efforts in the right direction

In his adolescent age itself he felt that there was an urgent need to start a College in Malavalli Taluk to cater the rural aspirant students. His vision was fulfilled as soon as he established Shanthi College in 1970. Under his able guidance Shanthi college has grown in leaps and bounds.

Due to his sad demise on February 5th 2004, the college lost its main pillar. However, Smt. Nagamani Nagegowda wife of Mr.K.N. Nagegowda Ex. MLA shoulders the responsibility to accomplish her husbands dream. She along with two secretaries of the college viz. Mr. M.H.Kempaiah and Mr. H. Thimmegowda and Treasurer Mr. Putteeregowda along with other governing council members and staff members of the college have been striving hard to provide quality education to the rural youth. Their untiring efforts paved the way to reach the mission of the college i.e. “Providing Higher Education to Rural Youth”