Finding purpose in higher education: Insights from the distinctive career of Professor Rajani Naidoo

• Main Author: THOMAS, Howard
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2024
• Subjects: Educators; women educators; business education; Business; Gender and Sexuality; Higher Education
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/7656; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/lkcsb_research/article/8655/viewcontent/2024_EFMD_Finding_purpose_in_higher_education_pvoa.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The author explores Professor Rajani Naidoo’s inspiring journey in higher education, marked by advocacy, leadership, and a commitment to social justice. Born in apartheid South Africa, Rajani’s formative experiences with inequality shaped her lifelong dedication to equity in education. Her academic path took her to the University of Bath, where she directed the International Centre for Higher Education Management, emphasising interdisciplinary research and ethical leadership. Now Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter, she drives cultural change and inclusivity. Rajani’s work challenges competitive norms, advocates global collaboration, and envisions universities as agents of societal good. Her story exemplifies purpose-driven academic leadership.