Prof. Elsa Mathew is the Dean of the Manipal Institute of Liberal Arts (MILA), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai. She is committed to advancing an interdisciplinary approach to education that encourages students to move beyond conventional academic boundaries and explore the connections between diverse fields of study.
Under her leadership, MILA promotes intellectual freedom, critical thinking and creativity across disciplines such as literature, media, psychology and sociology. The Institute encourages students to shape their academic journeys around their interests while developing the ability to question ideas, understand different perspectives and engage thoughtfully with a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Mathew believes that liberal arts education should go beyond the acquisition of knowledge. It should help students better understand themselves and society while developing the confidence, curiosity and adaptability needed to create meaningful change.
Through her academic leadership and writing, she shares perspectives on liberal arts education, interdisciplinary learning, media, society, human behaviour, creativity and critical thinking. Her approach reflects MILA’s commitment to shaping thoughtful, socially aware and future-ready individuals who are prepared to lead, innovate and contribute positively to the world around them.
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