
Most Visionary Education Leader - 2023
In the pages of this latest edition of Higher Education Digest, we proudly present the Most Visionary Education Leaders of 2023. These individuals stand at the forefront of the global higher education sector, setting extraordinary stretch goals in perfect alignment with their institution's overarching vision and mission.

Gayle D. Beebe, President of Westmont College
With a career spanning more than three decades, Beebe has emerged as a true leader in higher education. At the helm of Westmont College in picturesque Santa Barbara, California, since 2007, Beebe has achieved this prestigious position through a rich tapestry of experiences and achievements.

Dr. Yang Neng-Shu, President, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology
Prof. Dr. Yang Neng-Shu is a seasoned administrator, passionate educator, and President of the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech). He has been serving at YunTech for over 30 years, having held various administrative positions.

Professor Ian White DL FREng, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bath
Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Professor White began his academic career at the highly regarded University of Cambridge, where he pursued Electrical Sciences and Engineering, ultimately earning a Ph.D.

Dr. Jálin B. Johnson, Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion, Senior Diversity Officer, University of Massachusetts Global
Dr. Johnson is the creator and executive producer of Insufferable Academics LLC. The globally broadcasted podcast takes listeners beyond research and safe spaces and into the lived experiences behind the data.

Jeffrey Harris, Founder and Managing Partner, Harris Search Associates
Jeffrey Harris is the founder and Managing Partner of Harris Search Associates where he leads the firm’s Higher Education, Academic Medicine, and Healthcare Administration practices.

Robert Clougherty, CIO, CampusWorks Inc
With 35 years of Higher Education Experience, Dr. Robert Clougherty became CampusWorks CIO for Drew University. Over the course of his career, he has served as a faculty member (tenured, full professor), Director, Dean, and Provost.

Ahmed Kamal Ali, MENA Director of International Digital Enrollment, EdPlus at Arizona State University, UAE
Ahmed Ali has been involved in higher education for over a decade and beginning in 2017, he kicked off the online degree offerings from Arizona State University in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Dr. Bob Habib, Adjunct Professor, Regent University
Dr. ‘Bob’ serves as a Training Specialist for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as an adjunct professor for the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University.
FEATURED COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

University of Birmingham
September 5, 2023

Unicaf
September 5, 2023

Miles College
September 5, 2023

Laurentian University
September 5, 2023

Tufts University School of Engineering
September 5, 2023

University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC)
July 27, 2023

Brescia at Western University
July 27, 2023

OHM Professional School
June 23, 2023

CIMBA
June 23, 2023

Yorkville University
May 9, 2023

Utah Tech University
May 9, 2023

University of Calgary
May 9, 2023

Lagos Business School
May 4, 2023

St. Paul University Philippines
February 28, 2023

Ural Federal University
December 29, 2022

University of Cyprus
December 29, 2022

International University of Sarajevo (IUS)
December 29, 2022

Cyprus University of Technology
December 29, 2022

European Aviation School Barcelona
December 29, 2022

UWI-Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business
August 12, 2022

Eaton Business School
August 12, 2022

College of Business, University of Findlay
August 12, 2022

College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait
August 12, 2022

College of Business Administration (CoBA), University of Sharjah
August 12, 2022
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Most Visionary Education Leader - 2023
In the pages of this latest edition of Higher Education Digest, we proudly present the Most Visionary Education Leaders of 2023. These individuals stand at the forefront of the global higher education sector, setting extraordinary stretch goals in perfect alignment with their institution's overarching vision and mission.

Gayle D. Beebe, President of Westmont College
With a career spanning more than three decades, Beebe has emerged as a true leader in higher education. At the helm of Westmont College in picturesque Santa Barbara, California, since 2007, Beebe has achieved this prestigious position through a rich tapestry of experiences and achievements.

Dr. Yang Neng-Shu, President, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology
Prof. Dr. Yang Neng-Shu is a seasoned administrator, passionate educator, and President of the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech). He has been serving at YunTech for over 30 years, having held various administrative positions.

Professor Ian White DL FREng, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bath
Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Professor White began his academic career at the highly regarded University of Cambridge, where he pursued Electrical Sciences and Engineering, ultimately earning a Ph.D.

Dr. Jálin B. Johnson, Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion, Senior Diversity Officer, University of Massachusetts Global
Dr. Johnson is the creator and executive producer of Insufferable Academics LLC. The globally broadcasted podcast takes listeners beyond research and safe spaces and into the lived experiences behind the data.

Jeffrey Harris, Founder and Managing Partner, Harris Search Associates
Jeffrey Harris is the founder and Managing Partner of Harris Search Associates where he leads the firm’s Higher Education, Academic Medicine, and Healthcare Administration practices.

Robert Clougherty, CIO, CampusWorks Inc
With 35 years of Higher Education Experience, Dr. Robert Clougherty became CampusWorks CIO for Drew University. Over the course of his career, he has served as a faculty member (tenured, full professor), Director, Dean, and Provost.

Ahmed Kamal Ali, MENA Director of International Digital Enrollment, EdPlus at Arizona State University, UAE
Ahmed Ali has been involved in higher education for over a decade and beginning in 2017, he kicked off the online degree offerings from Arizona State University in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Dr. Bob Habib, Adjunct Professor, Regent University
Dr. ‘Bob’ serves as a Training Specialist for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as an adjunct professor for the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University.
BOOKS & REVIEWS
How to Sell a Book?
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Why College is not the Only Avenue Worth Pursuing?
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Advisory Board
Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD, MBA, MPhil, MCom, LLB.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Varughese K. John, has got more than 35 years of teaching and research experience in the domain of commerce and management. Currently, he is a full-time faculty member of the Graduate School of eLearning (MS Program in Management and Ph.D. Program in eLM), Assumption University of Thailand. Also, he is a visiting professor of another university in Vietnam and also an adjudicator of Ph.D. dissertations of many other Universities. His specializations are financial management, banking, and managerial accounting. He did his Ph. D. on ‘Non-performing Assets of Indian commercial banks'. He has got a number of publications in world class journals and used to publish research articles in the daily ‘Bangkok Post'. He has contributed many research papers in the international conferences in Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and India - has been honored with the best paper presentation award in IPN Conferences, 2018 at Perth, Australia. He started his teaching career in the year 1983 in the colleges under the management of Malankara Syrian Catholic colleges in Kerala, India and eventually became the Principal of Pazhassiraja College, Pulpally, Wayanad, Kerala during the period 2011 to 2015. He served as a member of the Faculty of Commerce, University of Kerala for three years (2004-2007). He got industrial experience by serving in different companies in the middle-east. His educational qualifications include – Ph.D., MBA, M.Phil., M.Com. and LL.B.
Dr. Hans A. Andrews Ed.D.
Dr. Hans Andrews is Distinguished Fellow in Community College Leadership and former President of Olney Central College in Illinois. He was also a Dean of Instruction and Vice President of Community and Student Services at two other community colleges in Illinois and Michigan and was an adjunct faculty member at Illinois State University. Hans is credited for starting the first dual-credit program between a community college and secondary school in the United States. He also served as the national community college spokesperson on teacher evaluation and recognition for outstanding teachers. His seven books and many of his 130 journal publications have highlighted recognition, evaluation, and dual-credit. Hans has been a contributor of articles to the Higher Education Digest on numerous occasions. His professional career started out as a secondary school teacher of business and as a school counselor. His Doctorate in Counseling Psychology is from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His Masters Degree and Baccalaureate degrees are from Michigan State University and Central Michigan University respectively.
Dr. Kuldeep Nagi,Ph.D,MBA,BSc.
Assistant Professor Dr. Kuldeep Nagi is the Program Director of Ph.D in eLearning Methodology for Graduate School of eLearning (GSeL) at Assumption University, Thailand. He was born and educated in India but matured and flourished in Seattle, WA, USA. He is an American citizen and recipient of Fulbright Fellowship Award-2006 in USA to work at Assumption University, Thailand. While working in Seattle Community College District (SCCD) in USA, he also received Dan Evans Award for Excellence in Teaching. He spent the prime of his life working at various institutions of Higher Education based in Seattle, WA, USA. After joining Assumption University in Thailand in 2006 he has written more than 3 dozen papers for international conferences, proceedings and journals. In addition to working as a Director of the Ph.D. program, he is also working as Managing Editor of Monthly eNewsletter called eLearning@AU, Managing Editor of AU-eJournal of Interdisciplinary Research http://www.ejir.au.edu/, Member-Editorial Board- ABAC Journal. Dr. Kuldeep is a writer columnist for the NATION and BANGKOKPOST, daily newspapers published in Bangkok.
Mr. Dean E. Hoke, M.S, B.A
Dean Hoke is Co-Founder of Edu Alliance, a higher education consulting firm founded in the United Arab Emirates in 2014. In 2017 Edu Alliance opened a North American office in Bloomington, Indiana, where he serves as Managing Partner. Higher education institutions have engaged the company in nine countries ranging from market and program evaluation to strategic planning to executive search. He has led numerous initiatives that have created innovation & positive change in the higher education & non-profit sector. Dean, since 1974, has worked in the higher education and broadcasting industry, serving in senior leadership roles specializing in marketing, communications, partnerships & online learning. In 1998 he co-founded The Connected Learning Network, a full-service online learning company. In 2008-17 he lived in the United Arab Emirates, serving in senior positions at Higher Colleges of Technology & Khalifa University before co-founding Edu Alliance in 2014. He is actively engaged in advisory & consulting projects in international education, branding, business intelligence, and online learning leading projects in the United States, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He has presented and written on higher education, leadership, and community. Dean is currently an Advisory Board member for Franklin University School of Education and a board member of the American Association of University Administrators. Dean has a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville and a Certificate in Executive Management from the Wharton School of Business.
Shanthi Rajan (MSHRM, FHEA, AMCILT)
Shanthi Rajan is a senior HR professional with 17 years of HR corporate experience and has worked predominantly in MNCs handling senior HR roles. She moved to academia in 2009 and has taught in many reputed international universities namely University of Wollongong, London School of Economics, Middlesex and University of Bolton’s campuses in Ras Al Khaimah, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. She currently works as the Director, Institution Development for the University of Stirling, RAK Campus, UAE. She holds a Master degree with specialization in Strategic Human Resources Management from the University of Wollongong, and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in Emotional Intelligence from University of Bolton, UK. Her core areas of specialization and research interest includes Strategic HRM, OB, Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. She is an affiliate member of CILT (UK) and a Fellow of Higher Education Academy (UK). She is a certified S+EI coach from the Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence (ISEI), Denver, Colorado and also certified in using Positive Psychology for coaching S+EI. She has completed her Postgraduate certification (PGCert) in teaching and learning from University of Bolton (UK) and also completed her Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Derek Bok Centre for Teaching and Learning, Harvard.
Major General (Rtd.) Dr. Sunil Chandra, VSM (Vishishta Seva Medal), Ph.D, M. Phil, MA, M.Ed, PGBDA
Major General (Rtd.) Dr. Sunil Chandra is dynamic result oriented professional with vast experience of Military Service having served in Operational Areas and important Army and Tri-Services Training Establishments. He has served as Managing Director of Army Welfare Education Society that is associated with the Army School, Professional colleges, Training of teachers and Faculty development. He has also served as the Head of the Army Educational Corps - responsible for Training & Management of Human Resource Development of Indian Army and personnel of friendly foreign countries. Dr. Sunil Chandra is an expert in Project Management, System monitoring, Academic Administration and Operations including HR, Training & communication, data management, documentation and Facility Management. He holds a PhD in International Relations (Conflict Management) from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); PG DBA from Symbiosis Pune; MA (History), M. Ed, M.Phil . Additional core competencies in Team Building, Skill Development, Innovation, Curriculum Development, Academic audit, Military Music and Foreign Languages. Dr. Sunil was responsible for Educational Training of sizable troops of Indian Army from School to Post Graduate level. He is person with holistic experience in the areas of Educational Administration and Management, Faculty Training, Development and Distance Learning. He was the Technical Advisor to Institute For Defence Orientation. Believing in networking and philanthropy, he is humane & reachable.
Dr. Venus M. Alboruto, PhD
Dr. Venus is an innovative science teacher from Surigao City National High School. She finished Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in General Science, at St. Paul University Surigao as Magna cum Laude. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Science Teaching and Doctorate Degree in Educational Management from the same university. She has been teaching for 17 years and her innovative approach to teaching has been recognized by several regional, national, and international education authorities. She has won a number of awards for her work, including DOST-SEI Most Innovative Practice in Managing Large Classes, Finalist, Ki Hajar Dewantara Award for Best Science Teacher in Southeast Asia, 2016, one of the top 50 Finalists in Varkey Foundation’s Global teacher Prize 2019, and honoree of Bato Balani’s The Many Faces of the Teacher 2019. Her work is influencing teaching across the region. She has been invited to share her materials and expertise to train other teachers in their use both in the Philippines and further afield. Alboruto also presents at conferences and provides training to equip others in her field to achieve similar success.
Dr Ajay Shukla, Ph.D, MBA, BE.
Dr. Ajay has the unique distinction of bringing several global universities and institutions to the UAE such as University of Birmingham (UK), Babson College (Boston US), Inscape Education Group (South Africa) etc. through his efforts in building the market landscape knowledge, business case and supporting the local licensing, accreditation, institutional set-up and operations. He supported the establishment and growth of international student enrollments at several universities in UAE including SP Jain Institute of Business Management, Manipal Institute, Amity University, University of South Wales, Heriot Watts University, Hult International Business School, Ajman University, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Middlesex University Dubai to name a few. Dr. Ajay has built his credentials with regulators and education investors through his high quality authoritative and ethically sound work and understanding of transnational higher education deeply. Prior to his current role, Ajay served as the CEO for one of UAEs leading higher education holding company with a significant investment from the world largest private education provider, GEMS Education/Varkey Group. During his 29-year career, he has worked in direct-to-consumer business as well as B2B businesses at leadership level roles. In his early career at American Express (1989-2001), he was the head of marketing and business development for the consumer card business in India and was a significant contributor to launching a locally billed card business in India. He was awarded the Chairman’s Award for Quality for this contribution. Ajay was the founder Vice President of ABN AMRO Bank Credit Cards (2011-2004) where he built the bank’s credit card business in India from scratch to become one of the top multinational credit cards brands within two years of the launch. He has also headed Reader’s Digest (2004-2005) business in India as CEO. He was recognized by the Indian media industry as the ‘Best Media Marketer of the Year’ At McGraw-Hill Education (2005-2014) Ajay led the digital transformation of the business. For his efforts in growing the McGraw-Hill business, he was chosen from over 10,000 employees and awarded the company’s highest individual honor Excellence in Leadership Award. Ajay is passionate about education and the impact this sector has on society and economies. He is an Engineering graduate from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and a top-ranked from one of India’s leading business schools – Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University. He has received the prestigious National Talent Scholarship (NTS) from the Indian government throughout his secondary school and college education. Ajay serves on the advisory board of mediciinstitute.org India’s think tank for mission-focused governance. He has served as a trustee on the board of National Book Trust of India, for three years, to promote literacy and reading as a Ministry of Human Resources development nominee. Ajay has also advised National Skills Development Corporation of India to transform skills training for the youth. He was also the general secretary of the Association of Publishers in India (API) and intellectual property and copyright committee at American Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Sreedhar Bevara, MBA, B.Com
Mr. Sreedhar Bevara, Senior GM, Panasonic is a business leader and has over 25 years of experience the FGCG & Consumer Electronics industry. Sreedhar, an alumna of IIM Ahmedabad also held key positions in LG Electronics, Dometic, The Hindu and the Tata Group. Sreedhar also runs a charity through BMR Trust to offer "Bright Morning Rise" to the needy and suffering. He is also the author of Amazon Bestselling book “Moment of Signal”. Mr. Sreedhar was recently invited to speak in IIT Delhi & IIM Ahmedabad. An inspiring story, in true slum dog millionaire style: from street vendor to waiter, milk delivery boy to door-to-door salesman, and eventually General Manager at Panasonic Corporation, Sreedhar Bevara is a life study on how embracing your moments of signals can help you realize your full leadership potential. He grew from the bottom to find himself at the top. Learn his secrets and become the leader you truly are. He emphasizes, 'the best way to excel is not to follow the signals, but to find them for yourself'. He is passionate about the "leadership within us" and has spoken on the topic to world-class names in the region. Living currently in the vibrant city of Dubai, Sreedhar travels extensively and is obsessed with fitness.
Mr. Amulya Sah, PGD PM & IR, PG Diploma in PM&IR (XISS Ranchi)
Amulya is heading HR as Sr. Director for the Mobile R&D Lab of Samsung with 2200+ employee. Leading 56-member team (25 core HR members). He is transformative HR leader with over 20 Years of experience in setting up new teams, offices and supporting multi business (Mfg, Services, FMCG, R&D) in multi geographical location. (India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Dubai). Amulya is an experienced change agent with strong track record in scaling businesses and supporting organisational restructuring and growth. His expertise includes: Digitization facilitator for HR Systems and Processes, Architect for employee friendly policies and great work place & Diversity champion
Dr. Khyati Shetty
A recipient of the GCC Education Leaders Award-2019, Top 100 Global Training and Development Minds-2018, Global Training and Leadership Award-2017, GCC Women Leaders Award-2017 and the former Dean of Curtin University, Dr.Khyati Shetty comes with 15+ years of experience working in the corporate and academia. She is also an Executive Coach and Innovation Facilitator and is currently based out of Canada and serves as the campus Director of Focus College. She started her career in the area of Corporate Strategy, market potential estimation, product development and branding. Her passion for transforming individuals led her to flourish by working with high potential leaders, executives and entrepreneurs and has conducted over 300+ workshops in 10+ countries. She has also been working as a talent and leadership consultant for Government bodies in Nigeria, Ghana, Dubai and Mauritius. Khyati is a Certified Co-Active coach (CPCC) from CTI, USA, A Professional Co-active coach from the Coach Training Institute, USA, and a certified Psychometric Test Professional (CPTP) accredited assessor by CAMI and SFHEA (UK). She holds a degree in MBA (Marketing), Post Graduate Degree in Human Resource Management and a Doctorate in Brand Personality Congruence. Her research interests are in the areas of Strategic Marketing, Brand Personality and Women’s Entrepreneurship and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and delivered conference papers in leading higher education journals. She also regularly contributes to Forbes and CNBC.
Dr. Manoj Varghese,Ph.D, MS, MBA, BE.
Dr. Manoj Varghese is a senior technology, education technology & innovation leader with over two decades of international experience. He is an EdTech researcher with strong knowledge of BYOD, STEM Education & 21st century learning skills. Manoj travelled over 40 countries and keep exploring. As Sr. Director at Connecta Education Ltd, Manoj leads consultancy, innovation initiatives, business strategy&strategic partnerships with schools, colleges and partners. Connecta Education is a global education innovation company focusing on School&College Audit, Consulting & Advisory, Technology Advisory and Consulting, Web Portals, Conferences, Summits & Workshops. Multinational consulting team associated with Connecta Education has over 200 man years of proven international education experience with the world’s leading organisations. Manoj worked as Sr. Director-Innovation, Strategy&Partnerships(consultancy) at Consilience earlier, where he led innovation initiatives, business strategy&strategic partnerships. Manoj was the Global Director – Technology&Risk Management at GEMS Education(World's largest private school operator) leading the Technology Strategy, Executive Strategic Planning, Technology Governance, Compliance, Security, Risk&Audit for 250+ GEMS' global and partner schools, and related businesses in 10 countries. As a Project Director at GEMS, Manoj led all aspects of Pre-Operational ICT for over 45 new International School projects in North America, UK, Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, Singapore, Malaysia&China, and two prestigious Higher Education projects for its university campuses in Dubai. He was the Project Director of GEMS’ SAP ERP project, where SAP S/4 HANA was implemented over 180 schools integrated with School Management System. He was the Architect of GEMS proprietary ERP, VLE&School Bus Management Systems. Manoj is an IT Engineering Graduate, has completed the MBA program in Systems and has an MS and PhD in E-Learning Methodology.