Seton Hall Hosts Delegation of Senior Leaders From O.P. Jindal Global University; Signs International Partnership Agreement

Seton Hall University welcomed a distinguished delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), one of India’s top-ranked private institutions, for a high-level meeting that culminated in the signing of an international partnership agreement.

Led by President and Vice Chancellor, Professor C. Raj Kumar, the JGU delegation included senior academic leaders and renowned jurists. They were greeted by Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Erik Lillquist and deans from Seton Hall’s schools and colleges for a discussion focused on institutional mission alignment, global engagement and opportunities for academic collaboration.

The visit resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formally initiating a partnership to explore areas such as student and faculty exchange, joint research initiatives, dual-degree programs and leadership development opportunities.

“This partnership is a testament to our mutual commitment to global citizenship, academic excellence, and meaningful impact through education,” said C. Raj Kumar, president of JGU. “Seton Hall’s values and academic priorities resonate deeply with JGU’s global vision, and we are excited about the potential of this collaboration.”

Seton Hall offers nationally recognized programs in law, business, diplomacy, health science and the liberal arts, and is home to the Buccino Leadership Institute, consistently ranked among the top leadership development programs in the country. International partnerships are a key part of the University’s broader mission to provide students with opportunities that extend beyond borders.

“We are pleased to welcome JGU to Seton Hall and to begin a conversation about building a sustainable, globally minded academic relationship,” said Interim Provost Lillquist. “This agreement reflects our shared interest in creating transformative experiences for students and faculty through international engagement.”
The foundation for the partnership was established in March of 2025 when Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., associate provost and dean of the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, visited JGU’s campus in Sonipat, India, as part of the Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Program. That visit sparked meaningful discussions and connections that led to the development of this formal agreement.

“This partnership is a tangible and exciting outcome of the Fulbright IEA program and the strong academic rapport we established during the Fulbright program,” said Naatus. “JGU’s commitment to global learning and collaboration aligns well with Seton Hall’s goals for internationalization and student success.”
JGU, designated as an “Institution of Eminence” by the Government of India, maintains collaborations with more than 550 institutions worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, UC Berkeley and the University of Melbourne.

Akhil Bhardwaj, Ph.D., vice dean and director of the Office of International Affairs and Global Initiatives at JGU, emphasized the value of the partnership in both global and regional contexts: “Global collaboration is not only essential to advancing research and academic innovation, but it also allows us to build meaningful, regionally grounded connections,” said Bhardwaj. “Seton Hall’s location in the New York–New Jersey region positions it as a strategic hub for international engagement, and we are thrilled to begin this journey together.”

With the MOU now in place, working groups from both institutions will begin identifying pilot initiatives to bring the agreement to life. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to global learning and meaningful academic exchange, opening doors for future collaboration across disciplines and borders.

Categories: Nation and World