In 2021, St Andrew’s introduced a new academic learning model in which Faculty Heads are responsible for leading a team of tutors in their subject areas. In addition to overseeing the delivery of subject tutorials, academic mentoring sessions and academic skills workshops, they also contribute to the College’s innovative new courses and develop academic policy to ensure the ongoing improvement of the College’s educational offerings.
Meet Sapna Kumar the new Head of the Faculty of Business. Sapna joined College in 2021 and brings a wealth of experience in Marketing, Human Resources, Quality Management, Change Management and Leadership Development.
She has a Master of Business Administration, Master’s in Human Resource & Industrial Relations as well as a B. Comm in Marketing. Sapna worked and studied in India, the USA and Italy before settling in Australia.
What is your official full title?
Head of Business Faculty at St Andrew’s College. Sessional academic in the University of Sydney (Business School) and Macquarie University.
What drew you to the position and what most interests you?
I have always been a people person and my years of experience in various positions across continents drew me towards the mentoring and training areas which I believe will have greater impact on individuals. To train and share insights with the next generation made a huge impact on me with regards to job satisfaction.
What are you hoping to achieve overall as Head of Faculty?
I am new to the College but having said that, I love the faculty model which the College has rolled out this year. Now I am working with a set of tutors who are high achievers and are helping undergraduate students to achieve the same.
My aim is to make the process more transparent and very student-centred which will take peer learning to the next level. Any student who is struggling should feel like these sessions are ‘the best part of their tomorrow.’ I want every student in the business faculty to be the better version of themselves by each passing day.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston S. Churchill
What has been a highlight so far in this role?
I feel honoured and privileged at the same time to be working with such a wonderful team. I look forward to more transparency and streamlining of the tutorial program which could be beneficial to more students enrolled in the college.
What are your outside-of-Andrew’s recent career achievements/goals?
I recently completed my second Master’s degree from the University of Sydney and was selected to be the member of ‘Beta Gama Sigma’ Sydney chapter. This is awarded to students for their scholarly achievement.
[Note: Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.]
As a sessional academic, I run workshops at the Business School and was recently awarded a Dean’s Citation, which was very humbling experience.
My goal is to maintain a work-life balance and share my insights with the next generation which would leave an impact in some way shape or form.
One of my favourite quotes is: “Anyone who keeps learning stays young” by Henry Ford. So I guess I intend to stay young!
See Sapna in interview
Sapna was recently interviewed by UTS student Sky Inácio for a series on inspirational leaders. Discover how many languages Sapna speaks and how many cities she has visited! From Sky’s insightful questions, Sapna shines out as a motivational mentor and Head of Faculty. See the interview on YouTube: