Deakin University Key Stakeholders

Key Stakeholders:

David Das - Head, Campus Operations, GIFT City Campus

John Bolton – Executive Director, International Branch Campuses

Deanne Dunne - Head, IBC Programs

Highlights of role as Head of Campus Operations, Deakin University GIFT City Campus

• Watching Deakin create a world-first International Branch campus at GIFT City in Gujarat
• Preparing to welcome GIFT City’s inaugural student cohort to the campus
• Selecting student support team and supporting top academics to ensure students receive a world-class education in their home country

Significant contributions so far at GIFT City Campus and undertakings in various roles that build up to present role as Head of Campus Operations and Academic Director.

David has been integral to the establishment of the GIFT City campus already, right from its conceptualisation through to the campus' recent inauguration and is uniquely positioned to take our aspirations for the campus forwards.

David has already established strong relationships with a broad array of Deakin colleagues and stakeholders from the government and education sectors, as well as with local industry leaders. In this new role, David will provide leadership to the professional team on campus, fostering the agile and inherently vibrant culture that is already unfolding at GIFT City.

Vision for the future, Quote attributed to David Das – “Deakin University’s commitment and great friendship with India is 30 years strong this year – a significant milestone that is particularly notable as we look forward to welcoming our inaugural student cohort to Deakin GIFT City. This is an exciting new chapter for Deakin as the first foreign University to establish an international branch campus in India, and I am extremely proud to help write the next chapter of the Deakin-India story as Head of Campus GIFT City.

Deakin is always thinking globally to make a significant impact at a community level, and GIFT City Campus will provide graduates with skills that respond to local needs and who are ready to take on global challenges.

Deakin’s strong connection to the Indian community has been a cornerstone of our success. We believe in fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance the educational experience, drive innovation, and create a positive impact with a global reach. I believe that’s the Deakin difference and why our graduates will stand out not only in India, but globally.

Bringing the Deakin curriculum to India with a world-first international branch campus means students can stay at home, removing many of the traditional pressures and barriers to an international education. Deakin GIFT City defines a new way for India – our students can enjoy the support of their networks and uphold personal responsibilities without the financial burden of overseas travel, while receiving a world-class qualification from a Top 1% global university.

Deakin’s international alumni network is evidence is our great work and hope for the future. More than 300,000 Deakin alumni are making an impact across 164 countries, including 20,000-plus Indian diaspora alumni who are among our most vibrant and active communities.

We have contributed more than AUD $75 million to collaborative initiatives in India including research scholarships and internships, community projects and cooperative research.

IIT Madras, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and India School of Business are just some of our existing partnerships, with GIFT City paving the way for new modes of transnational education and partnership. We are always exploring fresh opportunities and ways to further expand and deepen our support and friendship with India.”

Why Deakin?

The following can be attributed to Dr Bhattacharya:

“I am very proud to have been selected as Deakin’s first-ever academic program director at Deakin GIFT City. Deakin’s future-ready approach, responsiveness to industry and community needs, and focus on producing graduates with the skills demanded by top employers is world leading.

Our unique position alongside other top-ranked multinational industry and business leaders in GIFT City will see us partner with, and respond to the needs of, India’s top employers. Our industry-driven Master of Cyber Security (Professional) and Master of Business Analytics courses have been developed with this in mind.

GIFT City is a testament to Deakin’s track record for bravery and innovation. Our vision of seeing India as a new frontier in education, industry and business was established three decades ago and ahead of its time. Year after year, advancements in technology, research and course delivery methods have put Deakin at the forefront of higher education – breaking new ground and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the world.”