Tag: HigherEducation

Jesuit heads Tamil Nadu’s Minorities Commission

Santhanam ArokiasamyNews 0

Chennai, July 24, 2024: The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has appointed Jesuit Father Joe Arun as the chairperson of its 10-member Minorities Commission.

A government notification on July 23 said the appointment is for three years.

The commission vice chairperson is M M Abdul Khaddhus.

Other members in the commission are Hamilton Welson, A Sornaraj, Nagore A H Najimudeen, Praveen Kumar Tatia, Rajendra Prasad, M Rameet Kapoor, J Mohammed Rafi and S Vasanth.

Father Arun, a member of the Jesuit Chennai province, succeeds Peter Alphonse, a former Member of Parliament, a lawyer and a renowned Congressman.

The 59-year-old Jesuit is the secretary for the higher education secretariat of Jesuit Conference of South Asia and Director of the Chennai-based LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration), a 45-year-old business management institute.

In his 23 years of robust experience in academic and industry, Father Arun has done extensive research in the areas of consumer behavior, cross-cultural management, conflict and identity construction and other related areas. He has published books and scientific papers on personal growth, globalization, leadership and strategy.

He holds an MBA from IIBM and Madras University and a doctorate from Oxford University UK.

Earlier, he directed St. Joseph’s Institute of Management, Trichy. During his tenure the institute became one of the top B-Schools in India. He has also served as the director of Goa Institute of Management and as the secretary and correspondent of Loyola College, director of Xavier Institute of Business Administration, Palayamkottai.

In August 2010, Tamil Nadu became the 12th state to set up the Minorities Commission as a statutory body to protect the rights and interest of minorities. It visits various parts of the state to study the problems of the minorities and recommends suitable remedial measures to the departments concerned.

MIT Leads QS World University Rankings for 13th Year, Imperial College London and Oxford Follow

Staff ReporterEducation 0

The 21st edition of the QS World University Rankings has been unveiled, once again crowning the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as the leading university globally. This marks the 13th consecutive year that MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, has held this prestigious position.

Following MIT, Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, both based in the UK, have secured the second and third places, respectively. Imperial College London made a notable leap from sixth to second place, while the University of Oxford maintained a strong presence in the top three.

Harvard University retained its fourth-place ranking with a score of 96.8, narrowly surpassing the University of Cambridge, which secured the fifth position with a score of 96.7.

This year’s ranking is the most extensive ever, encompassing over 1,500 universities. The evaluation was derived from a comprehensive analysis of millions of academic papers and expert opinions. The ranking criteria included several key metrics: academic and employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international students ratio, international research network, employment outcomes, and sustainability.

Here’s an overview of the top 10 universities this year, based on their scores across these indicators:

While the United States dominated the rankings with 197 institutions, European universities, particularly those in the UK, also made a strong showing. The UK had the second-highest number of universities in the ranking, with four institutions in the top 10.

Top European Universities

Among the best universities in Europe for 2025, Imperial College London (98.5) and the University of Oxford (96.9) were both ranked within the top three globally. They were followed by the University of Cambridge (96.7), ETH Zurich (93.9), and University College London (91.6).

Switzerland featured prominently in the top 10 for Europe, with ETH Zurich achieving seventh place worldwide and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) also making the list. France and Germany each secured spots in the top 10 in Europe, represented by Université PSL and the Technical University of Munich, respectively.

Honourable Mentions

Mainland China had a significant presence in the rankings, with 71 universities listed, making it the country with the third-highest number of institutions represented, following the US and UK. Two Chinese universities, Peking University and Tsinghua University, stood out by securing places in the top 20 with scores of 88.5 and 86.5, respectively.

Singapore also achieved high rankings with the National University of Singapore (NUS) entering the top 10 and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), ranked 14th globally.

“The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is once again the top-ranked university globally, maintaining its position for the 13th consecutive year,” the report highlighted.

Imperial College London’s rise to the second spot and the continued strong performance of the University of Oxford were notable shifts in this year’s rankings. Harvard University and the University of Cambridge also maintained their esteemed positions within the top five.

The comprehensive nature of this year’s ranking, which included over 1,500 universities, underscored the rigorous analysis and diverse metrics considered in the evaluation process. These metrics not only reflect academic prowess but also consider factors like internationalization and sustainability.

European universities demonstrated notable strength, with half of the top 10 positions occupied by institutions from the continent. The UK, in particular, showcased its academic excellence with four universities in the top 10, reaffirming its position as a leading destination for higher education.

Switzerland’s representation through ETH Zurich and EPFL highlighted the country’s strong emphasis on research and innovation. Additionally, France’s Université PSL and Germany’s Technical University of Munich further illustrated the diverse academic strengths within Europe.

Mainland China’s significant presence in the rankings, with 71 universities, highlighted the country’s growing influence in global higher education. The high rankings of Peking University and Tsinghua University demonstrated the academic excellence and research capabilities of Chinese institutions.

Singapore’s high rankings, with the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University both securing top positions, underscored the country’s commitment to fostering world-class education and research.

As the most extensive ranking to date, this year’s QS World University Rankings provide a comprehensive overview of global higher education, reflecting the diverse strengths and competitive nature of universities worldwide.

“The metrics used for the ranking included academic and employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international students ratio, international research network, employment outcomes, and sustainability,” the report elaborated.

The 21st edition of the QS World University Rankings not only highlights the leading institutions but also underscores the dynamic and evolving landscape of global higher education. With universities from various regions demonstrating excellence, the rankings offer valuable insights for students, academics, and policymakers alike.

The QS World University Rankings continue to serve as a benchmark for academic excellence, reflecting the multifaceted nature of higher education in today’s world. As universities strive to enhance their global standing, the rankings provide a valuable tool for assessing and comparing their performance across a range of critical indicators.

Ramanan Raghavendran Assumes Leadership as Chair of University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Trustees, Championing Sustainability and Philanthropy

Staff ReporterEducation 0

Ramanan Raghavendran assumes the role of chair for the board of trustees at the University of Pennsylvania, succeeding Scott L. Bok, who held the position from July 2021 until his resignation in December 2023.

A distinguished alumnus of Penn, Raghavendran currently serves as the managing partner and co-founder of Amasia, a global venture capital firm with a specific focus on climate and sustainability.

J. Larry Jameson, Penn’s interim president, expressed his enthusiasm for Raghavendran’s appointment, referring to it as an “inspiring choice.” Jameson highlighted Raghavendran’s extensive connection to the university, having earned three Penn degrees and actively participated in various leadership roles. He also acknowledged Raghavendran’s professional experience, particularly in navigating a rapidly evolving business landscape. Jameson expressed confidence in Raghavendran’s collaboration with other distinguished trustees to advance the university’s significant and impactful missions.

Julie Beren Platt, who served as interim chair and will resume her role as vice chair, commended Raghavendran’s dedication to Penn. Drawing from her experience working closely with him on the Executive Committee, she emphasized his thoughtful approach to listening and his deep investment in relationships.

In response to his appointment, Raghavendran conveyed his honor in assuming the role of Chair of Penn’s Board of Trustees. He expressed a profound belief in the crucial role that esteemed American universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, play as custodians of the values that define modern civilization.

Raghavendran’s professional journey in venture capital and growth equity spans over three decades. He has held influential positions at General Atlantic, Insight Partners, TH Lee Putnam Ventures, and Kubera Partners. His career commenced at McKinsey & Company, marking the beginning of a trajectory that would lead him to his current leadership position at Amasia.

Beyond his corporate pursuits, Raghavendran actively contributes to societal and environmental causes. He currently holds a position on the board of SF Goodwill and serves on the advisory council of the Natural Capital Project at Stanford University. Over the last 30 years, he has played a pivotal role as a seed funder and board member for numerous NGOs. His ongoing affiliation with Magic Bus, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children in South Asia, further underscores his commitment to social impact.

Raghavendran’s association with the University of Pennsylvania dates back to 2014 when he first became a university trustee. In 2020, he assumed the role of chair for the local, national, and global engagement committee. His contributions continued to grow, as he joined the executive committee in 2022. Furthermore, he has been actively involved with the School of Arts and Sciences board of advisors since 2012, eventually becoming its chair in 2022.

In summarizing Raghavendran’s multifaceted engagement with the University of Pennsylvania, it is evident that his commitment extends beyond his professional achievements. His extensive involvement in various capacities underscores a deep-rooted passion for the institution’s growth and impact.

“With three Penn degrees, devoted University engagement in multiple leadership roles, and professional experience in a rapidly changing business environment, he is poised to partner with other distinguished Trustees to support our university’s important and impactful missions.”

Reflecting on Raghavendran’s appointment, Platt adds, “Having worked closely with Ramanan as a member of the Executive Committee, I have seen first-hand his passion for and commitment to Penn. He is someone who listens with intention and invests deeply in relationships.”

Finally, Raghavendran himself emphasizes his belief in the vital role that institutions like the University of Pennsylvania play in shaping and preserving the values of modern civilization. “I am honored to take on the role of Chair of Penn’s Board of Trustees,” he states, encapsulating his deep sense of privilege in contributing to the university’s leadership.

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