I have been given an opportunity to lead the STAREX University, Gurugram, Haryana. Founded in 2016, the University has established a rich tradition of excellence across a broad range of academic disciplines.
I have worked in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and digital learning for more than 25 years at senior and leadership positions in India’s apex ODL institution (IGNOU) as a Professor and Director of Staff Training and Research Institute of Distance Education (STRIDE), Inter University Consortium (IUC) and as Director of Centre for Online Education (COE), IGNOU. Was with an internationally reputed institution (Wawasan Open University) in Malaysia as Instructional Designer. From June 2019 till May 2022, was Director of Centre for Media and Communication in Commonwealth Asia (CEMCA - COL), an inter-governmental agency in New Delhi.
During my service at these organizations, I have worked on content generation; offered online courses; conducted online surveys; evaluated e-learning related projects, e.g. OER; developed innovative e-learning courses; and provided training to many educational personnel in e-learning in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, and Brunei. I developed expertise through research and experiential learning in these reputed Indian and international institutions.
In the leadership position, especially in organizations like IGNOU and CEMCA dedicated to ODL and digital learning, I was instrumental in taking e-learning to many countries and institutions; I mobilized government funds, and institutional leaders in the ODL institutions.
At STAREX University, my goal will be to work in partnership with local and international industries, government, communities and educational institutions and to make STAREX an Agile, Dynamic and Innovative University.
Prof.Dr. Madhu Parhar
Vice-Chancellor