Dr. Ashok A R Gowda is the Director of the Patel Institute of Science and Management. With a BBA and an MBA in HR and Marketing from the University of Mysore, he also completed a PhD. He has 23 years of total work experience, of which two years were in the industry. Before his present employment, he worked as Principal and Director of SAV Acharya Institute of Management Studies, Director of Green Hills Group of Institutions, Director of Dr. K.N.Modi Institute of Management Studies, and Principal at Yagyavalka Institute of Technology and Management, among others.

Dr. Gowda received the Best Teacher Award from Shri Adichunchanagiri Education Trust, Karnataka, in 2003 and the Best Observer Award from the National Testing Agency, Government of India, in 2017. He has worked at securing NAAC grades for multiple cycles for his institute. Under his guidance, three students won their PhD degrees and three more are pursuing their doctorate degrees. He has presented five international and 12 national papers in his area of expertise.

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

I have a passion for education. I am deeply passionate about education and enjoy working to contribute something positive to academia in my educational journey. For community engagement, I have adopted several practices. I am building partnerships with parents, local organisations, and businesses through our Incubation Centre that will foster better communication and trust in our brand.

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

My leadership style is adaptive leadership where I change my leading technique based on who I am dealing with and the situation. I also believe in moulding my leadership style to align with empowerment and development. I believe in empowering my team members and giving them the autonomy and resources they need to succeed.

Being the Director of PISM how do you strategize about the Key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your institution? 

For marketing, we have many plans that involve building our college brand through dedicated campaigns on brand building, digital marketing, traditional marketing, partnerships and collaborations. We are also planning to launch student referral programs. Administration wise, we are planning to launch an enrollment management program, academic planning and development, human resources management, facility management and financial management programs.

The education system in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institution?

Students studying in India can gain several valuable benefits from studying at our institution. We offer quality education and an excellent learning environment that is vibrant and rich. We have research and, networking opportunities, along with career development resources. Extracurricular activities help enrich our education. We also emphasise possessing a global reputation, and an engaged community and emphasize personal growth.

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How does the curriculum of PISM ensure the best practice of industry? 

Our institution is an affiliated college of Bangalore North University. We follow the course scheme and syllabi prescribed by the university. The curriculum is Industry-Oriented and designed by both academicians and industry experts. It gets updated regularly to reflect industry trends and practices. We also focus on practical applications over theoretical knowledge in order to better prepare our students for the workforce.

Any insights into how your institute could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

PISM welcomes students from all backgrounds. We believe that students should face no hurdles in their education. Financial aid and support services are available to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This can include offering need-based scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and emergency funds to help alleviate financial barriers to education.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the institute and the students are? 

As a Director of PISM, I need to play a pivotal role in the overall success and reputation of my institution. The main focus of my work is establishing educational leadership, and fulfilling my administrative management duties. I also provide student support and welfare, parent and community engagement, and focus on the professional development of the faculty members. Another part of my duties involves strategic planning and stakeholder communication.

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

I have some potential priorities to make my institution one of the first choices of students. We will be achieving this through - academic excellence, equity and inclusion, student success and well-being, community engagement and partnerships, technological integration, global engagement and impact, financial sustainability, continuous improvement and adaptation.

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What was your vision for PISM? Has it evolved over time and how far along in implementing that vision are you? 

When I first joined the institute, my vision was to be a globally recognised leader in management education. We wanted to be known for fostering innovative thinking, ethical leadership, and societal impact. We have put in significant efforts towards this end and I am satisfied. 

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

Our PISM is playing a multifaceted role in preparing future business leaders. Our students are not only competent in their respective fields but are also ethical, and adaptable. Our students are also equipped with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for PISM? 

Higher education in India faces several significant challenges, reflecting broader societal, technological, and economic issues like - access and affordability, keeping pace with digital transformation, quality and relevance of education, globalization and internationalisation. There are also demographic shifts, workforce skills gaps, and governance and funding to keep in mind. The PISM has overcome such issues and has been doing its best to provide the best for its students.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Explore your interests, set goals and prioritise them, and seek mentorship and guidance. Embrace lifelong learning, develop critical thinking skills, and build a strong support system. Remember that your journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all path to success. Stay true to yourself, follow your passions, and remain open to new opportunities and possibilities. With determination, resilience, and a growth mindset, you can achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in your institute? 

Healthy relations require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including administrators, faculty, staff, and students. We believe in communication and transparency, inclusive policies and practices, and collaborative decision-making. We also focus on professional development and support, student engagement and empowerment, conflict resolution and mediation, and organise numerous wellness and health promotion events. There are also community-building activities and an emphasis on continuous evaluation and improvement.