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Newsmakers of the Week FEBRUARY 14, 2025 | The Indian Eye 27

DAVINDER KAUR

Academic appointed as Director

of Online Learning at CUNY

well, ‘Who you are cannot be separated from where you have been.’ So, I can
never forget my roots, I can never forget where I come from and who has
helped me get where I am today.”

Noam Chomsky is a world-renowned professor, considered by
many to be a leading intellectual on subjects like political activ-
ism. Researchers receiving this award must demonstrate at least

he City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health & 15 years of impactful educational leadership, a strong record of
Health Policy (CUNY SPH) has recently announced the appointment contribution to global research and a scholarly legacy promoting
Tof Davinder Kaur as director of online learning.
Davinder is a dynamic leader in higher education with over 15 years of ex- human well-being.
perience in academic affairs administration and a specialized focus on online
learning for adult and non-traditional learners. Her career spans a wide range “The awarding group recognizes promising faculty who are global leaders
of institutions, including R1 universities, technology-focused schools, public doing cutting-edge interdisciplinary work,” Roy explained.
and private universities, and non-profit organizations, where she has success- Roy’s experience in international relations spans more than 20 years. She
fully navigated the complexities of diverse student and faculty populations. has published several influential books using her expertise and knowledge on
Davinder leverages data-driven methodologies and feedback systems to topics like conflicts in the South China Sea and Indonesian fragmentation to
enhance student success frameworks and faculty development initiatives. She become a part of a greater geopolitical conversation.
is excited to help transform the technology-enhanced and online learning ini- She plays a key role in multiple professional organizations in addition to
tiatives for CUNY SPH by translating innovative ideas into actionable strat- her duties as a professor at Georgia Southern. Roy has served as the program
egies that drive measurable improvements in education, faculty support, and chair for the International Studies Association’s South Asia in World Politics
student success. sector, as well as the senior editor for the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of
She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University at Buffalo International Studies, among other honors.
in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning. Davinder is deep-
ly committed to advancing excellence and fostering transformative change GUNJAN KEDIA
in higher education. Her passion lies in building inclusive, forward-thinking
learning environments that empower students and educators alike.
In her free time, she enjoys travelling with her family, nature walks, read- U.S. Bancorp names
ing, and meditation.
NALANDA ROY Indian-American as CEO
Professor honored with Noam .S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) recently announced that President Gunjan

Kedia will become the company’s chief executive officer at the conclu-
Chomsky Award Usion of the organization’s annual meeting of shareholders on April 15.
Kedia also was elected to the company’s Board of Directors. Current Chair-
alanda Roy, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Political Science man and CEO Andy Cecere will serve as executive chairman, continuing to
and International Studies at Georgia Southern University, was recent- lead the Board of Directors and supporting Kedia as she assumes her new role.
Nly honored with the Noam Chomsky Global Connections Shining Star “One of the hallmarks of U.S. Bancorp is its thorough and measured
Research Award for her research in global affairs, international relations and approach to succession planning. The company’s bench is deep, and the tal-
South and Southeast Asian maritime security. ent to grow and promote from within is impressive,” said U.S. Bancorp Lead
Roy’s dedication to her research is what earned her the award, but she Independent Director Roland Hernandez. “We are grateful to Andy for his
said it belongs to more than just her. years of service to the company and especially his stewardship as chairman
“It’s not just me,” she explained. “My parents, my husband, my daugh- and CEO for nearly eight years; we look forward to his ongoing guidance
ter, everybody…there have been countless sleepless nights working. So that’s as the company’s executive chairman. At the same time, we are inspired by
what helped me become who I am today. I love this quote by Malcolm Glad- Continued on next page... >>

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