Conception
The Diocese of Thuckalay, since its erection, has been pondering over the thought of extending its educational outreach in the field of higher education. Mar George Alencherry had set up a Diocesan Feasibility Study Team with priests, religious and lay leaders under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Philip Kodiyanthara, to explore ways to establish the kind of Institution for higher education by the Diocese in Kanyakumari District, which would cater to the needs of the poor and the downtrodden, irrespective of caste, colour, creed or gender, though ample opportunities needed to be provided to the youth belonging to the Syro Malabar Catholic Church in the District.
The Study Team, after series of consultations and deliberations arrived at a conclusion that the District had quite many engineering colleges and that the District, particularly, the Karinkal region needed College for Arts, Science and Commerce education.
The Team suggested that the Diocese of Thuckalay establishes an Institution for Higher Education for Arts and Science education and that the existing regulations of the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli provided for commerce education to be included in an Arts and Science College and that the College be established in Karinkal region under Soosaipuram Forane of the Diocese.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council went through the report and appreciated the efforts of the Team and resolved to explore the idea of establishing an Institution for Arts and Science higher education. The Diocesan Council, apex decision making body of the Diocese, also decided to proceed with the recommendations of the Team and the Pastoral Council. The Council, however, set up a Committee under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Philip Kodiyanthara and Rev. Fr. Thomas Powathuparambil to find an appropriate location for the establishment of an Arts and Science College in Karinkal area. The Council also directed the Committee to look for land already available with the Diocese. The Committee explored all the locations where land was already available with the Diocese or Parishes and inspected them with the help of priests and lay leaders of the Diocese. In the meantime, Mar George Alencherry became the Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Catholic Church, with its headquarter in Ernakulam, Kerala and Rev. Fr. Philip Kodiyanthara was made the administrator of the Diocese. The Committee suggested that the two plots of land, approximately 5 acres, almost opposite to the Soosaipuram Parish Church be the designated place for establishment of the Arts and Science College of the Diocese. However, there was a problem of a small plot of land exactly in the middle of the two plots of land, which needed to be purchased in order to connect the two plots. Rev. Fr. Philip Kodiyanthara, having known the local situation well, as he had been the Parish Priest of Soosaipuram, took up the task to arrange for the same. No further steps could be taken up as the Diocese was without a Bishop.
Establishment
After the consecration of Mar George Rajendran, SDB as the second bishop of the Diocese of Thuckalay, the new bishop did not let down the aspirations of the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese and carried the dream forward and took the decision to establish the institute of higher education in Soosaipuram, Karinkal, and on the advice of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, named it as St Alphonsa College of Arts and Science. Rev. Fr. Anthony Jose, Parish Priest of Soosaipuram was appointed as the first Secretary and Correspondent of the College, which he continues to hold until now. Rev. Fr. Philip Kodiyanthara unfortunately passed away in February, 2013. Rev. Fr. Anthony Jose took up the efforts for buying the necessary plots of land in order to connect the two plots. All efforts were made by the Bishop, Rev. Fr. Thomas Powathuparambil and the Secretary and Correspondent for the speedy construction of temporary accommodation for the students of the College. On June 30, 2014, St Alphonsa College of Arts and Science was founded with 148 students in four departments of Commerce, English, Physics and Mathematics, in a glittering ceremony, which began with seeking of Divine Blessings through Holy Mass.
Present Status
Presently, St Alphonsa College of Arts and Science is a very pulsating, interwoven community where academic curiosity and creativity prosper. The present building was inaugurated on January 17, 2016 in an event attended by several dignitaries and participated enthusiastically by the students of the College. The Diocese desires to provide quality infrastructure, facilities and education to the poor, who otherwise will not be able to access quality education and facilities in a rural set up.
In 2015, just a year after its establishment, the College expanded its academic offerings by introducing two new undergraduate programs: B.Sc. Chemistry and B.Sc. Computer Science. By 2017, the College advanced further by launching postgraduate programs in M.A. English, M.Sc. Mathematics, and M.Com. Subsequently, in 2020, it added M.Sc. Computer Science and M.Sc. Physics to its portfolio. In 2024, aligning with current industry trends, the College introduced B.Sc. Data Science as a new undergraduate program. As of now, the institution offers a comprehensive academic portfolio comprising seven undergraduate and five postgraduate programs.
The College has also established Research Centres in the Departments of Commerce and Physics, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support advanced research. With a steadfast commitment to future-focused learning and innovation, the institution continues to empower the student community through academic excellence and discovery.
To ensure relevance and alignment with real-time job market needs, the College offers various opportunities and job-oriented skill training for its students. Special training sessions are conducted beyond regular academic hours under the title Students Enrichment Academy (SEA), from 2.25 PM to 3.20 PM. During this specified time, the College prepares students for competitive exams such as TNPSC and Bank Exams, as well as for entry into government and private sectors. Additionally, the College provides skill development programs, including a Diploma in Financial Accounting, Typewriting, MS Office Packages, Python Programming, Communicative English, Garment ustomization, Smart Driving, Vocal Training, Fine Arts, Personality Development, National Service Scheme, and training in Sports and Games. Students have the flexibility to enroll in these courses based on their academic interests and aptitude.