This year, IIE New Delhi celebrates 20 years of operation in support of higher education scholarship administration, leadership development, and critical development in the region. In February, the leaders of the U.S. and India reaffirmed their commitment to a strong partnership for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific, emphasizing ASEAN centrality. They highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, noting that over 300,000 Indian students contribute more than $11 billion to the U.S. economy. Both leaders resolved to strengthen educational collaborations through joint degree programs, Centers of Excellence, and offshore campuses of U.S. institutions in India. Last year, Montclair State University participated in IIE’s Leadership Delegation to India to explore and expand bilateral higher education partnerships. Wendy Lin-Cook, Vice President for Enrollment Management in the Office of the President shares her experience.
Montclair State University is committed to expanding its global footprint through meaningful international partnerships. One of the most promising collaborations currently underway is with Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) in Mumbai, India. Through academic exchange, experiential learning, and faculty collaboration, this partnership is poised to create transformative educational opportunities for students at both institutions.
Almost one year ago, I had the distinct privilege of joining the IIE Leadership Delegation to India, accompanied by Montclair State University president, Dr. Jonathan Koppell.
This visit, aimed at expanding educational partnerships and fostering greater academic and scholar mobility, provided us with a unique opportunity to engage with some of India’s most forward-thinking institutions. Among the highlights of this journey was our visit to Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU) in Mumbai, an experience that left a profound impact on me. From the day we arrived, we were met with a warm and gracious welcome from the wife of the institution’s founder.
The university’s mission to foster knowledge that serves the global community resonated deeply with me, aligning closely with Montclair State University’s values.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University is a hub of advanced research and entrepreneurship.
During our visit, I had the opportunity to meet a student in their medical innovation lab, witnessing firsthand the cutting-edge research being conducted. The level of innovation and ingenuity at SVU rivals, and in many cases, exceeds, similar research initiatives in other parts of the globe. The university’s focus on entrepreneurial thinking is particularly noteworthy, as students are encouraged to go beyond traditional academic boundaries and pursue real-world impact through their research and business ventures.
A Force-Multiplier
The visit in February 2024 laid the groundwork for an innovative partnership, particularly in business and healthcare education. Over the past year, we have built a comprehensive partnership together, focusing on our Business and Nursing programs. This collaboration is not only academic but also involves corporate sponsorship, creating an innovative, multifaceted approach to global education. The partnership expands career opportunities, provides global exposure for students and faculty, and elevates teaching practices at both institutions.
“Doing Business in India” Program & Consulting Project
As part of their MBA program, students from Montclair’s Feliciano School of Business traveled to India in January 2025, gaining firsthand experience in international markets.
Approximately 40 students from both universities were divided into eight teams to develop business strategies for ProKlean, a company specializing in sustainable “green chemistry” solutions. Teams worked remotely with company executives before the trip, presenting strategic recommendations for market expansion in both India and the US before presenting live at SVU on January 13th.
Nursing Partnership & Clinical Collaboration
Building on this momentum, Montclair’s School of Nursing is establishing a collaborative program with K.J. Somaiya College of Nursing, a distinguished institution within SVU.
A key meeting in August 2024, between faculty from both institutions identified several focus areas, such as research collaboration, wherein faculty members are paired to develop joint research proposals with a shortlist of research topics. Student exchange and immersion is another focus area, for example, senior B.S. Nursing students from SVU may have the opportunity to participate in a bridging program at Montclair, including preparation for the NCLEX licensure exam. There was also discussion of a virtual course by SVU on community health initiatives, available to Montclair State University students as part of their curriculum.
In addition to Montclair nursing students engaging in COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) courses and gaining clinical experience at SVU’s 550-bed teaching hospital, practical education for both student populations will be enriched with a global healthcare perspective.
These programs are designed to equip students with global competencies and hands-on experience that will set them apart in their careers.
Looking to the Future
In April 2025, leaders from SVU will visit Montclair State University as part of Indian delegations in partnership with Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Leaders from various Indian universities will join a summit that includes the presidents from seven other NJ universities in order to build relationships and identify further opportunities for institutions across India and New Jersey.
These partnerships are not just about academic exchange; they are about meaningful engagement that strengthens all of our institutions. A key component of the initiative between SVU and Montclair is experiential learning. By working together, we can leverage our respective strengths to create a more dynamic and globally connected educational experience.
We are excited about the potential this collaboration holds for both Montclair State University and Somaiya Vidyavihar University. From cutting-edge medical research labs to entrepreneurial incubators, SVU embodies a forward-thinking educational approach that resonates with Montclair’s mission. Our shared commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global engagement can lead to new, exciting opportunities for students and faculty alike.