Victoria University Names Karen Dodd as First Pro Vice-Chancellor for Delhi NCR Campus

Victoria University has named Professor Karen Dodd as the first Pro Vice-Chancellor of its forthcoming Delhi NCR campus, positioning her to lead the institution as it welcomes its inaugural cohort of students in August 2026.

Transitioning from her role as Executive Dean at VU's College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Professor Dodd will oversee academic leadership and institutional governance at the campus. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the university's expansion into India, where it stands among the pioneering international institutions to establish a comprehensive campus following the country's National Education Policy framework.

The Delhi NCR facility represents a strategic growth opportunity for Victoria University, enabling it to deliver its globally acclaimed VU Block Model® to students across the Asia-Pacific region. The campus, situated in Gurugram, will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business and IT, with instruction delivered exclusively through the Block Model framework.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker emphasised that the appointment reflects the university's dedication to establishing an institution of exceptional calibre in India. "Karen's leadership will be vital in successfully launching the campus and demonstrating our commitment to inclusive, quality education while pursuing expansion into emerging international markets," Professor Shoemaker stated. "Her substantial work in advancing the College of Sport, Health and Engineering has positioned it for sustained development, and that expertise will prove essential as we establish VU Delhi NCR."

In her new capacity, Professor Dodd will oversee program delivery, maintain academic standards, ensure regulatory adherence, and cultivate an educational experience consistent with VU's Australian campuses. She will also champion strategic partnerships to strengthen the university's footprint across India.

"Being appointed the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor for VU India is an honour, and I'm thrilled to be there from day one as we put VU's international vision into practice," Professor Dodd said. "Introducing the VU Block Model® to India represents an extraordinary prospect, and I'm confident it will drive student academic achievement and deliver an exceptional educational experience."

A physiotherapist by training, Professor Dodd brings extensive academic credentials spanning 26 years at La Trobe University in teaching, research, and senior management roles. She joined Victoria University in 2017 as Dean of the College of Health and Biomedicine.

The innovative Block Model, which VU pioneered among Australian universities, structures learning so students concentrate on a single subject at a time across four-week intensive blocks conducted in collaborative, workshop-oriented settings. The university remains the largest adopter of this pedagogical approach domestically.

The Gurugram campus will incorporate the same contemporary architectural principles as VU's Melbourne City Tower, creating a dynamic learning environment aligned with the local context while maintaining the academic rigour that has distinguished Victoria University in fostering student achievement.

For Indian students, the campus eliminates traditional barriers to accessing premium Australian education, offering internationally recognised qualifications without the expense and personal disruption associated with overseas relocation. The facility will simultaneously create avenues for cross-border research collaboration, student exchange, and industry partnerships linking institutions across India, Australia, and the wider Asia-Pacific region.