Recognition acknowledges his contribution to strategic growth, industry academia engagement and student-centric higher education
New Delhi : Sukanta Parida, Director, Admissions & Marketing at Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), has been honoured with the ‘Excellence in Higher Education Leadership 2026’ award at the Times Now Education Summit 2026, held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on September 16.
With more than 24 years of professional experience, Parida has built a career spanning higher education, admissions, strategic marketing, business development, skill development, industry–academia partnerships and education-focused entrepreneurship. The recognition acknowledges his contribution to institutional growth and his efforts towards strengthening the interface between higher education and the evolving needs of students, industry and society.
In his current role at Centurion University, Parida oversees strategic initiatives across admissions and student recruitment, institutional marketing, brand communication, digital outreach, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships. His mandate includes expanding student outreach, strengthening institutional visibility and developing collaborations with schools, industry partners, government organisations and other stakeholders across the education ecosystem.
Over the course of his career, Parida has undertaken leadership responsibilities across universities, skill-development organisations, IT training initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures. His experience includes conceptualising, establishing and scaling education-focused initiatives, with a consistent focus on institutional development, employability, skill development and industry engagement.
Commenting on the recognition, Sukanta Parida said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Excellence in Higher Education Leadership 2026 recognition. I see this award as a reflection of the collective efforts of the institutions, colleagues, students, industry partners and stakeholders with whom I have had the opportunity to work throughout my professional journey. Higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, and I remain committed to contributing to an ecosystem that is more industry-connected, skill-oriented, inclusive and focused on meaningful student outcomes.”
The recognition comes against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving Indian higher education landscape, where employability, multidisciplinary learning, industry exposure, entrepreneurship, technology-enabled education and access to quality learning opportunities are increasingly shaping institutional priorities.
At Centurion University, Parida continues to contribute to the institution’s broader focus on skill-integrated higher education and sustainable livelihoods, while working to deepen engagement with students, academic institutions, industry, government bodies and wider society.
The ‘Excellence in Higher Education Leadership 2026’ recognition marks another milestone in Parida’s more than two-decade-long professional journey. It recognises his contribution to strategic leadership, institutional growth and the development of stronger industry-linked approaches within the higher education ecosystem.