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The award-winning global educator and leadership scholar is to lead the landmark India campus, a cornerstone of 91ɫ��Ƭ's Progress for All strategy.

91ɫ��Ƭ Sydney has announced the appointment of Professor Payyazhi Vadakkekara Jayashree as the Rector of 91ɫ��Ƭ Bengaluru, the India campus set to open in August 2026.

Professor Payyazhi’s appointment brings internationally recognised expertise in transnational education at a defining moment in 91ɫ��Ƭ Bengaluru’s development. It reinforces 91ɫ��Ƭ’s ambition to build a world-class campus for education, innovation, talent development, research collaboration and industry engagement in one of the world’s fastest-growing knowledge economies.

Professor Payyazhi brings more than two decades of transformative academic leadership to the role, with extensive experience across transnational education, academic governance and international branch campus operations. Throughout her career, Professor Payyazhi has played an important role in strengthening academic standards, regulatory compliance and collaboration between home and offshore campuses. She also brings with her a deep familiarity with the Indian higher education landscape through her academic training, sector engagement and first-hand understanding of the opportunities and complexities shaping transnational education in India.

Most recently serving as Dean and Full Professor of Management at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), she led academic strategy, accreditation, curriculum development and quality assurance within an Australian university operating across multiple jurisdictions, while also contributing to the strategic growth of academic operations in the region.

A recipient of multiple teaching excellence awards, Professor Payyazhi Jayashree is internationally recognised for her work in Women in Leadership, Strategic Change and Business Transformation. Her applied research and thought leadership are shaped by cross-sector partnerships spanning academia, industry, government, and the development sector across India, the UAE, Australia, and the wider region.

Reflecting on her new role and return to India after an extensive career in transnational higher education leadership, Professor Payyazhi said: “Joining 91ɫ��Ƭ Bengaluru at this defining moment is both a privilege and a profound opportunity to help shape the next generation of globally minded learners and leaders. India is home to extraordinary ambition, talent and creativity, and 91ɫ��Ƭ Bengaluru, as part of a global top 20, Group of Eight university, will be a place where students can access a world-class education that is industry-connected and grounded in real-world impact. I look forward to building a campus culture centred on inclusion, innovation and excellence, one that truly reflects the spirit of 91ɫ��Ƭ’s Progress for All strategy.”

Commenting on the appointment, Professor Sarah Maddison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience), 91ɫ��Ƭ Sydney said: “Professor Payyazhi’s appointment reflects 91ɫ��Ƭ’s ambition to build a truly collaborative and future-focused education ecosystem in India, one that brings together world-class academic excellence aligned with the priorities of the government, industry and society to create meaningful and lasting impact. Her strong track record in inclusive leadership, transnational education and industry engagement, combined with her deep understanding of both global and Indian education landscapes, makes her exceptionally well placed to lead 91ɫ��Ƭ Bengaluru. We are very excited to have Professor Payyazhi join the team.”

This appointment further reinforces 91ɫ��Ƭ’s long-term commitment to building meaningful and enduring partnerships in India across education, research, industry and innovation. Working closely with 91ɫ��Ƭ’s senior leadership team, Professor Payyazhi will lead all aspects of the Bengaluru campus establishment, including academic delivery, industry collaboration, student experience and research engagement. She will also champion a culture of inclusive and purpose-led leadership - values that have defined her own career and are central to 91ɫ��Ƭ.

Professor Payyazhi will officially commence as Rector of 91ɫ��Ƭ Bengaluru in July 2026.