Manipal, Feb 4 (IANS): Professors at Manipal University Tuesday voiced happiness at alumnus Satya Nadella being named the new Microsoft chief and remembered him as a quiet student with a keen eye for detail.

Vinod V. Thomas, his teacher at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), remembered Nadella as a "sincere, quiet student in his college days who earned his degree in first class with distinction".

"It is a great moment which makes every MITians proud.." said Thomas, now the MIT director.

The university rejoiced at the new responsibility for Nadella, who was part of the 1988 batch in Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication, terming it a great day for the university.

"Yes, it is a great day for Manipal University. Every single student, past and present will cherish this glorious moment. Satya's great achievement has done Manipal Institute of Technology and Manipal University proud," said Chancellor Ramdas M. Pai.

"This is the biggest event for Manipal University. Over the last three months, when his name was shortlisted for the job, we have been hoping and praying that Satya would get the job. Today is a red letter day in the history of Manipal University," Pai said, according to a varsity statement.

School of Information Sciences director Harishchandra Hebbar, who taught digital electronics to Nadella, said: "As a student he had a keen eye for details. He would always want to know the how and why of everything that was being taught in the class. He never would take the next step without fully knowing the step he has already taken."

After completing his BE here at MIT, Nadella went to the US and completed his master's degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He has been with Microsoft for 22 years.