In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Education Industry, leaders face both challenges and exciting opportunities, particularly in the post-pandemic era marked by persistent Covid-19 challenges. Navigating this intricate terrain requires effective leadership, a quality exemplified by Nishtha Shukla Anand, the Director of Shoolini University. With nearly two decades of experience as an educationist and entrepreneur, she has been recognized for her significant contributions.
Serving as a trustee deeply involved in marketing, public relations, communication, and digital outreach, Nishtha Shukla Anand’s leadership extends beyond conventional administrative roles. Her dynamic role includes mentoring the School of Media & Communications at Shoolini University, showcasing her commitment to fostering innovation in education.
Nishtha Shukla Anand stands out as a pragmatic woman leader in higher education for the year 2023, precisely because of her forward-thinking approach. Embracing innovation, she envisions expanding Shoolini University into new frontiers of media education where creativity and technology seamlessly merge.
Nishtha Shukla Anand’s Transformative Impact on Shoolini University
In her capacity as a trustee at Shoolini University, Nishtha Shukla Anand played a pivotal role in establishing key partnerships and implementing benchmarks, notably cultivating a significant relationship with Amazon Web Services. Beyond serving as a solutions provider, Amazon Web Services evolved into a crucial learning partner for the computer science department, paving the way for a series of industry-driven collaborations that have garnered recognition for Shoolini University.
One of Nishtha’s notable contributions was integrating the concept of being a Great Place to Work into the university’s ethos, making Shoolini University one of the early institutions to be awarded this prestigious recognition. Over the years, the university has consistently received acknowledgment as a Great Place to Work.
Nishtha’s primary focus lies in marketing and communications, where she strategically positioned Shoolini University as a preferred destination for bright students from across the country and the world. Despite being located in Himachal Pradesh, the university’s ambition was to attract quality students rather than sheer numbers. This strategic approach has borne fruit, with the student base expanding beyond Himachal to include students from every state, even reaching as far as Andaman this year.
Championing Inclusivity and Growth
Also as a trustee at Shoolini University, Nishtha Shukla Anand upholds inclusivity as a fundamental principle. Emphasizing the belief that an India fostering freedom of expression and inclusivity can propel the nation forward, she is dedicated to instilling these values within the university. Nishtha envisions a future where inclusivity, especially when extended to students—the future pillars of the country—will have enduring significance.
In her leadership role, Nishtha Shukla Anand is committed to delivering substantial value to both students and faculty members at Shoolini University. Her approach centers on promoting growth rooted in talent and diversity. By prioritizing a balanced work-life equilibrium for everyone within the university, she aims to cultivate an environment where both students and faculty members thrive, fostering a gender ratio equilibrium among them.
Fostering Digital Fluency and Gender Inclusivity
In her role as a mentor at the Shoolini School of Media & Communications, Nishtha Shukla Anand channels her personal passion for instilling digital fluency in students. Devoted to preparing them for future roles, she actively works on integrating digital information into the curriculum. Nishtha firmly believes that in diverse professions, ranging from medicine and design to entrepreneurship, a robust understanding of digital tools and processes will be indispensable. Her goal is to infuse this essential knowledge into Shoolini University’s curriculum, with a particular focus on the media school as a starting point.
While some may argue against gender distinctions in leadership, Nishtha acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women. Particularly emphasizing the hurdles women encounter when moving cities for marriage or while raising children, she recognizes the additional effort and determination required for women pursuing careers. Nishtha sees it as an uphill task, often prone to abandonment. To support and encourage such women, she underscores the importance of senior leaders in organizations understanding their struggles and providing opportunities for success. Nishtha advocates that when women hold leadership positions, they pave the way for others to join the ranks. Drawing from the support she received from her seniors, she aspires to do the same for the upcoming generation of leaders at Shoolini University.
