IIM Shillong director appointment: Prof Arun Mohan Sherry to focus on AI, data science, and global learning

Prof Arun Mohan Sherry, founding director of Indian Institute of Information Technology Lucknow, has been appointed Director of Indian Institute of Management Shillong for five years by the President of India as Visitor. He plans to strengthen AI-led research, data science, business education, undergraduate interest in management, global learning, and lifelong learning.

Prof Arun Mohan Sherry, founding director of the Indian Institute of Information Technology IIIT Lucknow, has been appointed Director of the IIM Shillong for five years. The President of India made the appointment as the Visitor of IIMs. Sherry has led IIIT Lucknow since 2019 and will now head the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.

Sherry said IIM Shillong would prioritise artificial intelligence across teaching and research. Sherry told that focus would be on the use of AI in research, data science and business. "AI is a reality now. And since this is what we specialise in, we will give a new direction to business education,\" he added.

AI at IIM Shillong and business education plans

Sherry also pointed to rising interest in undergraduate business management courses. Sherry said steps would be taken to use that awareness in new and existing programmes. Sherry linked this to wider changes in the sector, where digital tools are reshaping how management is taught and learned.

Global exposure will be another theme during Sherry’s tenure at IIM Shillong. \"Special emphasis would be on globalisation as technology has made education sans borders a reality. So my effort would be on the use of technology in the area of higher education, especially business education,\" he said.

AI at IIM Shillong and lifelong learning focus

Sherry said continuous upskilling will remain important as technology changes quickly. Lifelong learning would be another focus area, Sherry said, adding, \"As technology is advancing, changing so fast that what one is learning today is outdated tomorrow.\" \"Thats why continuous education and learning are the key,\" he said.

With more than three decades in academia, Sherry is known for building programmes and partnerships. Sherry is credited with shaping IIIT Lucknow into a growing institute. The work included academic standards, research, innovation, start-up promotion, and closer ties with industry.

Before taking charge at IIIT Lucknow, Sherry held senior leadership roles in several organisations. These included NMIMS, IMT Ghaziabad and HCL TalentCare. The experience covered higher education leadership and working with industry-linked training and talent development models.

Sherry’s academic record includes an MSc gold medal and an M Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur. Sherry later earned a PhD. Sherry has received several recognitions for contributions to higher education and institution building. Sherry has also published widely on computer science, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

With inputs from PTI