He studied in Doctor Graham"s Homes, Kalimpong (1958–1970) and graduated with history honours from Street.Edmund"s College, Shillong. This was followed with a master"s degree in History (1976), Master of Philosophy(1980) and Doctor of Philosophy (1985) from the North Eastern Hill University, Shillong.
He taught undergraduates in Saint Edmund"s College (1977–1979) before joining the Department of History, NEHU, in 1979. He rose in the profession to become Professor in the Department of History. He held numerous positions in the University, including Dean of Students" Welfare.
Head Department of History.
Controller of Examinations. Registrar and Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Syiemlieh, is a former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Author of several books and articles on the history of North East India, he is credited with discovering the date of death of Tirot Sing and locating the grave of Thomas Jones, the Welsh missionary who first arrived in the Khasi Hills. He took charge on 5 October 2011.
He is recipient of the Charles Wallace Grant for research in the United Kingdom. India France Cultural Exchange for research in Paris, and the Senior Fulbright Fellowship for research in the United States. He was affiliated to Notre Dame University. Professor.Syiemlieh was President of the North East India History Association (2010–2011).As Sectional PresidentModern India Section of the Indian History Congress, he delivered his address at the 73rd session held in Mumbai, 2012.
Professor
David R. Syiemlieh was appointed by the President of India as Member, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi. They have two sons, Colin and Reuben.
David R Syiemlieh was Honorary Director of the Indian Council for Social Science Research, North Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong;Member of the Indian Council of Historical Research,New Delhi and Member, Indian Council for Social Science Research, New Delhi.The President of India appointed Professor David R. Syiemlieh as Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University.
