Dr. Atul Kumar – Leading Academician Shaping the Future of Education with Academic and Administrative Milestones

Dr. Atul Kumar, Dean and Professor, Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School
 

Could you introduce yourself to our audience?
 
I am Dr. Atul Kumar, a passionate academician, researcher, and leader in the field of higher education with over 16 years of experience. Currently, I serve as the Dean, Professor, and Head of Research, Accreditation, and Quality Assurance at Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School, Pune. In addition, I hold the position of Director (Additional Charge) at Unitech B-School, Pune, and I am also a Visiting Professor at Boston International College, Nepal. My journey in academia has been shaped by a strong commitment to fostering innovation, driving research excellence, and advancing the quality of education.
 
 
Could you walk us through your educational and professional journey, highlighting key milestones?
 
My educational journey has been enriched with a diverse academic background, including a Ph.D., L.L.M., L.L.B., M.Phil., and M.B.A., as well as a specialized Faculty Development Programme from IIM Ahmedabad.

Notable milestones include supervising successful Ph.D. scholars, publishing extensively in Scopus, Web of Science, and other reputed journals, and filing several international patents. Additionally, I have been honored with numerous prestigious awards for my contributions to academics and research.

Some other key milestones include:

•  Receiving the AIMS Management Scholar Award 2024.
•  Serving as a panelist and keynote speaker at various national and international summits and conferences, such as the World Edu Summit and the ZIES AI-Powered Learning Forum.
•  Moderating critical discussions on ethical leadership and academic development.

These experiences have shaped me as a thought leader and mentor in academia.
 
 
What are your current responsibilities as Dean and Professor at Dr. D. Y. Patil B-School?
 
As Dean and Professor, I oversee the institution's academic, administrative, and research operations. My responsibilities include:

•  Leading the Research, Accreditation, and Quality Assurance division to ensure academic excellence.
•  Designing and implementing innovative teaching methodologies and curricula to meet industry needs.
•  Mentoring faculty members and students to foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
•  Strengthening industry-academia collaborations and international partnerships, such as our exchange program with Boston International College, Nepal.
•  Managing the publication of journals, business magazines, and newsletters.
 
 
What are the core areas of expertise you bring to your roles in teaching, research, and academic administration?
 
My core areas of expertise include:

•   Academic leadership: I specialize in institutional development, strategic planning, and accreditation processes.
•   Research and innovation: I have published extensively in Scopus, UGC-listed, and Web of Science journals, focusing on management, education, and policy.
•   Curriculum development: I design outcome-based education models that align with global trends.
•   Faculty and student mentoring: I empower individuals to achieve their potential through guidance and support.
 
Additionally, my corporate training certifications allow me to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.
 
 
What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what drives your passion for educational development?
 
Education has always been my calling because it is a powerful catalyst for change and empowerment. My inspiration stems from my belief in shaping young minds to become future leaders. Witnessing students and faculty excel in their endeavors drives my passion. Furthermore, the opportunity to contribute to academic innovations, policy frameworks, and global knowledge exchange motivates me to strive for excellence in educational development.

Education offers a platform to shape minds, drive innovation, and foster growth at both individual and institutional levels. My passion lies in creating impactful learning experiences, advancing research, and promoting holistic educational development.
 

Could you discuss some of the key publications that you've authored?
 
I have authored 77 research papers published in peer-reviewed, UGC Care, Web of Science, and Scopus-indexed journals, including Q1 and Q2-ranked publications. My contributions include:

3 reference books, 4 textbooks, and 15 edited volumes. 14 case studies for MBA and PGDM students. 19 book chapters and several news articles.

Additionally, I have filed 7 international patents and 1 Indian patent, with 6 granted. My research focuses on marketing management, innovation, and educational development. My research has been presented at international conferences, gaining recognition for its relevance and rigor.
 

How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of education?
 
Staying updated requires a multi-faceted approach. I actively engage in professional networks, attend global seminars and conferences, and collaborate with academicians worldwide. Being a member of academic bodies and research forums helps me stay abreast of emerging trends. Additionally, I invest time in continuous learning through online courses, scholarly readings, and participation in thought-leadership platforms. This holistic approach ensures that my knowledge remains relevant and impactful.