University of Chichester leaders take global vision to India
Senior leaders at the University of Chichester visited India this week (February 3-6) to formally introduce the institution to the country and unveil its international endeavours.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Symeon Dagkas and Chief Operating Officer Olivia McLaughlin met with representatives from the British Council in India, took part in discussions with other senior HE colleagues and spoke about the University’s vision as part of a podcast, as well as attending a higher education conference in Delhi.
The visit aims to promote international relationships, and also to highlight the significance of sport, education and health programmes and the opportunities they offer.
Providing women in sport with access to leadership opportunities through initiatives like the University’s Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) was high on the agenda, as well as conversations around the connectivity between sport and allied health, and filling skills gaps through allied health programmes.
Engagements included a meeting with the British Council’s Director of Education Rittika Chanda Parruck and Principal Consultant Shannon West, and a roundtable discussion exploring the power of accessibility to sport for women and those living in rural areas.
Professor Dagkas also recorded a podcast, appearing on The Living Pod with founder of the global student housing marketplace University Living Saurabh Arora to discuss the Vice-Chancellor’s experiences as an international student, the University vision, and how to build partnerships that are co-created and have a legacy.
The PIE Live India event was an opportunity for networking and connecting with international higher education colleagues and to introduce the University of Chichester to India. Professor Dagkas and Ms McLaughlin took part in an engaging fireside chat as part of the Infinite Group networking reception, sharing insights and connecting with peers from across the sector.
There was also an impromptu visit to meet Mr Vijayendra Prasad, a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha – the Upper House) of India and an iconic, highly acclaimed Indian screenwriter and film director, best known for blockbuster films such as Baahubali and RRR. This was an important opportunity to discuss performing arts and the power of storytelling.
Professor Dagkas said: “This was the first of many trips to India I hope, and I very much enjoyed it. I’ve been overwhelmed by the collaborative spirit of discussion ranging from the art of film making to sport infrastructure at grass roots level. We are excited to carry these discussions forward, generating ideas and growing our Indian impact. Thanks to all those who engaged with us over the past week.”
