{"id":27466,"date":"2025-02-24T10:55:16","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T02:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=27466"},"modified":"2025-02-25T09:42:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T01:42:06","slug":"curtin-appoints-new-humanities-dean-to-drive-future-focused-learning","status":"publish","type":"media-release","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/curtin-appoints-new-humanities-dean-to-drive-future-focused-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Curtin appoints new Humanities Dean to drive future-focused learning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ has appointed Jonathan Pillai as the new Humanities Dean of Learning Futures, to drive innovation in teaching and learning and ensure graduates are career-ready in a rapidly changing job-market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With over 17 years experience in higher education, Mr Pillai is a respected leader in academic innovation, curriculum design and industry collaboration, with a specialised focus on bridging the gap between learning and workforce needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Pillai, an ethnic Indian-Ceylonese who received a Master of Education from the University of Sheffield, currently co-leads the Animation and Game Programme at ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ and previously served as Deputy Director \u2013 Academic and Skills Development at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curtin\u2019s Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said Mr Pillai\u2019s appointment marks an exciting step forward for Curtin\u2019s Learning Futures portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHigher education is evolving quickly and Mr Pillai\u2019s leadership will be key in shaping learning experiences that are innovative, practical and industry connected,\u201d Professor Blythe said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Pillai said he was honoured to step into the Dean of Learning Futures role and support Curtin\u2019s mission to create modern, future-focused learning experiences that prepare students for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m committed to ensuring students graduate with the skills, creativity and adaptability to thrive in the future workforce,\u201d Mr Pillai said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThrough collaboration with industry and academic leaders, I believe we can shape a learning future that is hands-on, inclusive and globally relevant for all our students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Pillai\u2019s contributions at Curtin have been recognised through multiple awards, including the Curtin Innovation Award and the Innovation in Pedagogy Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n