Alliance School of Liberal Arts, Associate Dean: Dr. Anirudh Sridhar Interview

Dr. Anirudh Sridhar is the Associate Dean at the Alliance School of Liberal Arts. He received a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford in 2020 and his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Oxford received the highest honors reserved for the thesis in the humanities and was recommended for publication with the Oxford University Press. He holds a Master of Arts from the University of Freiburg, Germany, and a Bachelor of Science from State University of New York-ESF, USA. Dr. Sridhar is the co-editor and co-author with Derek Attridge of ‘The Work of Reading: Literary Criticism in the Twenty-First Century’, a polemical intervention that argues against certain methodological trends in the humanities and for the rehabilitation of close reading. The book was #1 on the Amazon New Bestseller's list in literary theory for June 2021.

What inspired the dean to pursue a career in higher education administration?

People are inspired to pursue careers in higher education administration, like the role of a dean, for various reasons. Many are driven by a deep passion for education and the belief in its transformative power, often stemming from their own positive educational experiences. The opportunity to influence policy, shape curriculum, and enhance the educational experience motivates those who seek to make a positive impact on students’ lives. Strong leadership and organizational skills attract individuals to management roles where they can efficiently operate complex institutions. An academic background in areas such as language and linguistics, environmental law, and marine biology can inspire individuals to contribute to the academic community through management roles. Guidance from mentors and role models who have worked in similar positions can encourage individuals to pursue careers in higher education administration. Individuals with leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and a commitment to student success are drawn to higher education administration roles to lead institutions to excellence.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing higher education today, and how do you think your institution is addressing those challenges?

Higher education administrators face the challenge of rapidly adapting to several key factors, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic: Technological Transformation: Adapting to the digital revolution, integrating technology effectively, and addressing digital equity and accessibility. Financial Sustainability: Managing budget constraints, reducing operational costs, and diversifying revenue streams while maintaining ed​ucational quality. Access and Inclusivity: Ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. Quality Assurance: Maintaining academic quality and adapting curriculum, assessment methods, and faculty development to evolving standards. Changing Student Demographics: Meeting the diverse and non-traditional needs and expectations of the student population. Public Perception and Advocacy: Advocating for higher education’s value while addressing shifting public perceptions and concerns. Data Privacy and Security: Protecting sensitive data and ensuring campus security in an age of cyber threats. Challenges can vary based on the institution’s size, location, and mission.

What do you think sets your institution apart from other colleges and universities and how do you communicate that unique value proportion to students and other stakeholders?

The uniqueness and value proposition of a dean at an institution can vary, but key factors that set a dean apart include: Vision and Leadership: A dean stands out with a clear vision for the institution, strong leadership, and the ability to align their vision with the institution’s mission. Academic Expertise: Demonstrating deep academic knowledge inspires confidence among students and faculty. Advocacy for Students: Being accessible and advocating for student needs is crucial. Innovation and Change: Implementing innovative programs and technologies enhances the educational experience and distinguishes a dean. Collaboration and Partnerships: Creating value through collaborations and effectively communicating their benefits enhances the institution’s reputation. Diversity and Inclusion: Championing diversity and inclusion efforts contributes to an inclusive environment. Fundraising and Resource Management: Successfully securing funding and managing resources impacts the institution’s growth and development. Communication Skills: Effective communication builds trust, and transparency is essential. To communicate this unique value, deans can use platforms like town hall meetings, annual reports, social media, collaborative projects, alumni relationships, and advisory boards. Their success lies in their leadership, actions, and commitment to the institution’s mission and values.

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What are your primary responsibilities as Dean/ HOD and how do you balance them with other aspects of your job?

As a Dean, I juggle various academic and administrative roles. Balancing these responsibilities with teaching or research requires strategic approaches: Academic Leadership: Delegate to department chairs and faculty committees, emphasizing collaborative development and vision. Administrative Oversight: Utilize administrative staff and committees for routine tasks, focusing on strategic decision-making. Fundraising and Development: Cultivate donor relationships and dedicate specific time to fundraising while delegating other tasks. Policy and Governance: Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulations while maintaining clear communication with governing bodies. Research and Teaching: Prioritize duties based on workload and institutional expectations, considering a reduced teaching load if necessary. Effective time management, delegation, and collaboration with department chairs and staff are essential for maintaining a balance. Periodic priority reviews ensure alignment with institutional goals and personal career objectives.

How do you approach decision-making in your role and how do you balance the needs of different stakeholders when making difficult decisions?

Decision-makers gather data, including academic performance, budgets, and feedback, to inform their choices. Identifying the key stakeholders is crucial. In an educational context, this could include students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and the broader community. Engaging stakeholders means using surveys, meetings, and open forums to understand their views and needs. Decision-makers ensure decisions align with the institution’s mission and values. Leaders assess decision consequences on stakeholders using impact assessments. Deans must ensure that their decisions are in compliance with ethical standards and legal regulations. Being transparent about the decision-making process and the factors considered is essential. Communicating the decision and the rationale behind it helps build trust. Balancing the sometimes conflicting needs and interests of different stakeholders can be challenging. I may need to prioritize certain stakeholders or seek compromises. Creating feedback mechanisms that allow stakeholders to express their concerns and suggestions can be beneficial for refining decisions and addressing ongoing issues. Decision-makers often consider the long-term implications of their choices rather than focusing solely on short-term gains. I will be open to adapting all the decisions if new information or changing circumstances warrant it. Accountability, blending analysis, empathy, and communication, is crucial for trust and credibility. Adapt the approach as per the situation and leadership style.

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

I would like to suggest students to pursue passions, set clear goals, embrace lifelong learning, stay informed, give back, cultivate resilience, embrace diversity, manage finances, take calculated risks, stay curious, plan for the future, contribute to positive change and enjoy the journey in your academic and career journey. As a dean, I advise students to take ownership of their education, be proactive, and stay true to their values while pursuing success.