Samrat Ray Chaudhuri, Webster University

“Describe yourself in three words or phrases. Globally driven. Strategically adaptive. Student-centered. What do you like most about your job? I enjoy finding opportunity in moments of disruption. Since 2020, international education has faced constant challenges – from pandemics and visa uncertainty to shifting global mobility trends. I’ve always liked the idea, often associated with Samsung Electronics leadership, that organisations should operate as if they’re in a constant state of crisis so they never become complacent. That mindset has shaped how I approach higher education. At Webster University , some of our strongest ideas around global partnerships, recruitment diversification, and transnational education came from being forced to rethink traditional models quickly. Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you. I’m excited about helping build a stronger AI culture within enrolment management at Webster University. We’re using tools like CollegeVine and other AI-driven platforms to create more personalised communication for international students and adult learners across the enrolment funnel. One area that’s been especially impactful is persona-based messaging. Communication for a working adult learner is very different from messaging for an international undergraduate student navigating visas, housing, and career outcomes. We’ve already seen stronger engagement and better attendance at recruitment and admitted student events because outreach is becoming more targeted and relevant. What’s also encouraging is the mindset shift internally. More people are beginning to see AI as an assistant that improves personalisation and efficiency rather than something that replaces the human side of enrolment work. What’s a piece of work you’re proud of – and what did it teach you? I’m proud of helping reshape parts of the international enrolment strategy at Webster University during a very unpredictable period for global mobility. It taught me the importance of being nimble – but also patient and strategic. In international education, some opportunities can create fast growth but may not be sustainable long term. I’ve learned the importance of thinking about the full lifecycle of an initiative and preparing alternative partnerships, markets, or pathways before growth slows. That experience reinforced my belief in diversification and building parallel strategies, including transnational education models, to create long-term resilience. What’s a small daily habit that helps you in your work? Every morning, I spend about 30 minutes checking in with agents and partners across different regions through quick calls or messages. Those conversations often give me a real-time sense of what students are experiencing, especially international students dealing with concerns around visas, finances, and career outcomes. Some of the best insights come from those conversations long before they appear in reports or dashboards. What’s one change you’d like to see in your sector over the next few years? I’d like to see the sector do a better job of defining the value of online and hybrid education for international students. Too often, online learning is treated as a secondary option instead of a strategic pathway. Universities need clearer messaging around flexibility, affordability, career outcomes, and global access – especially for students who may not be ready or able to relocate immediately. Strong transnational education and hybrid models can create more accessible entry points while still connecting students to a global university experience. What idea, book, podcast or conversation has stayed with you recently? One book that stayed with me recently is Heart Over Hype by Jaime Hunt. Its focus on empathy really resonated with me, especially in today’s higher education environment where students are overwhelmed by information and constant marketing noise. The book reinforced my belief that students respond best to authenticity, transparency, and communication that genuinely understands their concerns — whether that’s affordability, belonging, or navigating global uncertainty. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in this field? Stay curious and think globally. International education changes constantly, and the best professionals are the ones who can balance data, empathy, strategy, and cultural understanding at the same time. The post Samrat Ray Chaudhuri, Webster University appeared first on The PIE News .

Summary generated from the RSS feed of The PIE News. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on thepienews.com.