The recognition acknowledges Parida’s contributions to admissions strategy, institutional outreach, industry-academia engagement and student-focused initiatives in the higher education sector.
Parida joined Centurion University in 2019 as Head of Admissions and currently leads initiatives spanning admissions and student recruitment, marketing, institutional communication, physical and digital outreach, stakeholder engagement, and industry-academia partnerships.
During his tenure, student admissions at the university increased from over 2,400 to more than 6,000. His initiatives have focused on expanding student outreach through digital platforms, grassroots engagement and counselling, while strengthening engagement with schools, industry partners, government organisations and other stakeholders.
Digital outreach and effective media planning also contributed to the university’s brand positioning evolving from a regional brand to a national brand during these years. Student recruitment expanded to cover all states across the country. During the same period, Parida initiated and significantly increased international admissions, with students coming from more than 10 countries.
The recognition comes amid ongoing changes in India’s higher education sector, where institutions are increasingly focusing on employability, industry exposure, skill development, technology-enabled learning and student outcomes.
Speaking on receiving the award, 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.”
Parida brings more than 24 years of professional experience across education, technology, marketing, business development, skill development and entrepreneurship. Before assuming his current leadership role at CUTM, he worked with organisations including ICFAI, HCL Learning, iNurture Education and ICA Edu Skills. His responsibilities across these organisations included admissions, branding, marketing, business development, leading profit centres, industry engagement and skill-based education.
His professional journey also includes co-founding a software venture in 2002 that served more than 50 educational institutions across eastern India.
The ‘Excellence in Higher Education Leadership 2026’ award marks another recognition in Parida’s professional journey, highlighting his work in admissions, institutional outreach, industry engagement and student-centric initiatives in higher education.
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