Mr. Arun Kumar is the Director of the Institute of Management Studies University Courses Campus Ghaziabad. Before this, he was the Founding Director at GNIOT Institute Of Management Studies PGDM Institute (GIMS) and has worked as the Program Director of the School of Management Studies, JIMS Engineering Management Technical Campus An IIM Lucknow Alumnus, Dr. Arun Kumar Singh has twenty years of work experience in various leadership and administrative capacities. He has worked as Associate Professor and Program Head- School of Business Management, Noida International University and was also associated with reputed institutions like Accurate Group of Institutions and Lloyd Business School.

A certified Brand Management specialist, Dr Arun Kumar Singh, has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in institution building, teaching, consultancy, corporate collaboration as well and research. A skilled educator and administrator, Dr Singh holds various key positions in prestigious associations and government bodies. He is the Regional Director of the International Association of Commerce and Management (IACM). Presently, he is an Executive Committee Member at the Ghaziabad Management Association. He is also an Honorary Member of the National Executive Council at DPLIF.

IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus)

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

My personal passion for lifelong learning and the transformative power of education drives my commitment to the sector. Seeing the direct impact education has on individuals' lives, empowering them and opening doors to opportunities, is incredibly rewarding. The ever-evolving nature of education challenges me to innovate and grow professionally, keeping me engaged and excited about the sector. Building strong connections with students, educators, families, and the wider community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. I am committed to creating a strong academy-industry connection so that this interface can serve as a springboard for the careers of our students. Working towards ensuring equitable access to quality education for all, regardless of background, fuels my dedication to the sector.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My philosophy revolves around serving others and embracing a growth mindset. I prioritize learning from experiences, feedback, and failures to continuously improve as a leader. Encouraging collaboration and inclusivity, I value diverse perspectives and believe in leveraging collective intelligence for effective decision-making. I believe in participative leadership. I understand the importance and dynamics of delegating tasks and taking inputs from all levels of the organisation. At the same time, I also stay involved and inspire my team by collaborating and supporting them whenever necessary. I am always there with my team as a mentor, guide and motivator. 

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure the best practice of industry?

At IMS UCC the curriculum of all individual courses has been designed by a perfect blend of inputs from renowned academicians and industry experts. Our curriculum undergoes frequent revisions to keep it updated and aligned with the latest industry requirements. We emphasize practical learning experiences such as field visits, expert speeches, presentations, and project work to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The institute also offers various specializations, certifications and other skill development courses to help students acquire industry-relevant skills and stay updated with current practices. We use micro-skilling to facilitate student growth and development. Our value-added courses and certifications from IIMs and IITs add a distinctive edge to our student’s profiles. We help our students make informed career decisions from the myriad of options available to them after brainstorming, self-exploration and understanding their career interests.

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

In the next ten years, IMSUC will focus on futuristic and inclusive educational goals in line with the vision of NEP 2020. By embracing technological advancements and incorporating them into the curriculum and teaching methodologies the institute will work on fostering a culture of innovation to address global challenges. To provide a holistic development of the students IMSUC, in the next ten years, envisions offering more personalized learning experiences, mentorship programs and exchange programs, to give our students international exposure. By creating awareness about the nation’s great traditional knowledge systems through IKS we are focused on creating excellent young professionals who are not only academically sound but also have a strong moral compass.

When you first came to your institute, what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

When I first joined IMSUC my vision was to foster a dynamic academic environment that prioritizes innovation, and excellence in teaching and research and promotes student success. Over time, this vision has evolved into a strong commitment to upskilling the students so that they can face the ever-evolving disruptive trends of the world today. The Institute now is strongly focused on keeping students abreast of the latest developments in academics while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion. We have made significant strides in implementing this vision by launching new initiatives, enhancing student support services, and strengthening partnerships with industry and community stakeholders.

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What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

IMSUCC has attained a matchless and reputable place amongst the best professional educational institutions in India. The institute has been a proud recipient of many eminent awards in the field of education and research. Recently IMSUC has been accredited with coveted A Grade by NAAC along with 12B status by UGC which now firmly positions us among the topmost Higher Educational Institutions in the country. We have introduced several certifications for the students from IITs and IIMs. Our MSME certifications have also helped enrich the student learning experience. We also have a MoU with GT Bharat that provides a perfect academia-industry interface for the students. Through our International Immersion Program (IIP) our master’s degree students get an opportunity to visit various international destinations. The faculty interaction with the corporate world in the form of Research and Consultancy, Management Development Programs and National & International conferences has become an important enabler for designing and imparting learner-centric value-based education. 

What do you see as the University’s greatest strengths?

IMS is a leading education group with a large student base across India. They are getting the benefit of our hi-tech campus which has state-of-the-art infrastructure with smart classrooms and well-equipped laboratories. However, the greatest strength of IMSUC is its intellectual capital. We have a well-trained, research-oriented, experienced, dedicated and energetic team of academicians who provide a positive learning and work environment to our students. Moreover, the institute provides opportunities for extra-curricular activities, sports activities and cultural events that encourage all round development of students. 

What are some of the major changes that Covid-19 has bought in the education sector according to you?

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, leading to a significant increase in remote and hybrid learning models. I think that educational institutions have embraced technology post-pandemic at a rapid rate. Now educational institutes are more open to leveraging tools and technologies like video conferencing, digital collaboration platforms, and educational apps to facilitate learning. 

Are there any placement opportunities for the students?

There are placement opportunities available for students at our institute through our dedicated Corporate Resource Centre. The CRC cell organizes various activities to facilitate student placements, including internships, job fairs, and campus interviews with potential employers. The centre facilitates students of all programs to get summer internships and final placements. The cell functions throughout the year towards generating placement and training opportunities for the students. With the highest placements of INR 23.37 LPA, international placements in master’s courses and INR 17 LPA in national placements in undergraduate courses, our team has reached new milestones, and they are keen to break their record every year. 

How is your relationship with the students of your college?

As the director of the college, fostering a positive and supportive relationship with the students is of utmost importance to me. I believe in maintaining an open-door policy, and actively engaging with students to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. By being approachable and accessible, I aim to create a conducive environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance and support. Additionally, I prioritize regular interactions with students through various channels and informal gatherings. Through these interactions, I not only provide mentorship but also advocate for their interests and well-being.

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What are the most important functions in the role that you play in your institute?

As the Director of the Institute, I believe my most important responsibility is to create a relevant learning environment for the students. For that, it is important to identify the emerging future trends both in the academia and the industry. For me, it is important to ensure that the changing trends are incorporated within the curriculum and the courses are designed accordingly. Ensuring compliance with the highest educational standards is a priority and creating industry ready professionals is what the institute is dedicated to achieving.

What are the challenges faced as a part of your institute?

The rapid digital transformation today has raised several concerns for institutes worldwide. We at IMSUC view this as an opportunity for growth and change. The post-covid era is more open to adopting the digital platform for enhancing the educational experience. We have therefore allocated resources effectively to create futuristic campuses. We provide cutting-edge digital infrastructure and cater to the modern educational experiences of our students. Moreover, we are vigilant about the mental health issues of our students and have adequate support services, including counselling, provided to them so that they can cope with any stressful situation.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute/ university?

At IMS, we foster a welcoming atmosphere by connecting with students, faculty, and staff on a personal level. We encourage open communication where everyone feels heard and valued. IMSUC believes in celebrating students' successes and milestones and this acts as positive reinforcement and boosts their morale. IMSUC organises various academic as well as cultural activities like MUN, Mega-freshers, Pulse, Mark-fest, sports competitions and a host of other activities for its students. It also has twenty-three student-driven clubs, where the students plan, organize and implement events on their own. The vibrant and happening campus life also instills in the students the values of respect and collaboration so that they can embrace diversity and value the unique backgrounds and perspectives of all individuals.

Any suggestions/messages that you would like to give to the current youth?

In a world of rapid change, young people need the right mix of skills to thrive. They need to challenge themselves from time to time so that they can grow. They will have to keep evolving constantly and try to learn something new every day. Developing new skills will keep them relevant in their professional arena. One way to do this is to develop a regular reading habit. I would also like to encourage them to engage with their surroundings and take more interest in social interactions. They need to manage their energy and channel it in the right direction. Investing time in being productive will surely enhance their skills.