Montclair State University Strengthens Global Ties Through New Partnerships in India

As part of a New Jersey delegation led by Governor Phil Murphy, Montclair State University President Koppell and Kimberly Hollister, Dean of the Feliciano School of Business, traveled to India and signed two strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs), furthering the University’s commitment to global engagement, academic excellence and workforce development.

In New Delhi, Montclair formalized a partnership with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), a national network representing more than 1,100 Indian institutions. Under the agreement, Montclair will serve as the lead partner for higher education collaboration between AIU member universities and institutions across New Jersey.

The partnership will focus on academic and cultural exchanges, collaborative research in sustainability and technology, and future opportunities for joint degree programs and innovation-focused initiatives.

“Montclair State University is a public-serving institution, driven by our motivation to broaden access to an excellent education and solve pressing issues. That mission extends beyond borders,” said President Koppell. “We are excited to build relationships with AIU and across its many esteemed member institutions, so that we might together serve India and her millions of motivated students.”

In Mumbai, Montclair signed a second MOU with the K.J. Somaiya College of Nursing, building on an existing relationship between the two institutions that included MBA students from both institutions meeting to work on real-world consultancy projects. The new collaboration will address the growing demand for trained healthcare professionals in both India and New Jersey, expanding educational and workforce development opportunities in nursing and healthcare.

The University’s participation in the India mission, facilitated by Choose New Jersey, underscores its role as an innovation leader within New Jersey’s higher education ecosystem and emphasizes its broader mission to be a public-serving institution with global reach, driving academic excellence and social impact.

A reciprocal visit from Indian university leaders to New Jersey is planned for 2026, during which further collaboration opportunities will be explored. Both MOUs will remain in effect for three years, with the potential for renewal.