Siva Kumari appointed as new COO of schools division
Dr Siva Kumari has been appointed as the new chief operating officer (COO) of the IB schools division, which was formed in January 2009 to provide consistency in cost-effective, dependable and quality services to IB World Schools across the world.
Siva joined the IB in April 2009 as regional director of IB Asia-Pacific in Singapore, bringing substantial leadership experience and sterling academic credentials. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the services that the IB offers in a culturally rich region that spans over 20 countries.
Backed by an experienced and knowledgeable team, Siva has focused on providing exemplary service for both evaluation and authorization, offering professional development and strengthening recognition efforts to ensure that IB programmes are understood by universities wherever students seek post-IB education.
Prior to joining the IB, Siva held the highest leadership position for K-12 education as the inaugural associate provost for K-12 initiatives at Rice University, Texas, USA, where she worked from 1994 onwards. There she provided the strategy for, and oversight of, the university’s 70+ educational outreach programmes for K-12 students, teachers and senior administrators. She received competitive national, state, foundation, corporate and local grants and professional awards for her work at Rice.
Siva completed undergraduate studies at St Joseph’s College, obtained a masters in rehabilitation counselling from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a doctorate in education from the University of Houston in curriculum and instruction and instructional technology, where she was awarded doctoral student of the year. She has taught graduate education courses as an adjunct assistant professor. She was also a member of the IB professional development committee from 2006. She started the IB teacher professional development programme at Rice University in 2003 and developed innovative category 3 workshops that involved Rice faculty.
Siva will assume her responsibilities as COO from 1 May 2010, continuing to serve concurrently as regional director over a transition period of approximately 6 months as the search begins for her replacement.
