Dr. Hardeep Saluja Serves as Advisor for the Transformative Leadership Academy

Dr. Hardeep Saluja (first from left, standing) with participants in the 2025-2026 ELA Transformative Leadership Academy.

Dr. Hardeep Saluja, professor and department chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), served as an advisor for the 2025-2026 Transformative Leadership Academy at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The academy is part of the Educators' Leadership Academy. It brings together faculty, staff, and administrators from higher education institutions for six sessions held from August through March. Each session addresses leadership development, cultural awareness, conflict management, and effective decision-making in higher education.

In his role as advisor, Saluja supported discussions, facilitated small group interactions, and mentored participants. He also served as an ambassador for the program within his academic network. Saluja said, "It is an honor to be part of the Transformative Leadership Academy, where collaboration, growth, and shared purpose drive meaningful change."

Dr. Hardeep Saluja, professor and department chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences at SWOSU (left), with Mary Howard, director of the Educators' Leadership Academy.

Mary Howard, Director of the Educators' Leadership Academy, emphasized Saluja's impact on the program. "Dr. Hardeep Saluja as an Advisor for the 2025-26 ELA Transformative Leadership Academy has been a true gift," Howard said. "As a 2015-16 Outstanding Professors Academy alumnus, he brings a depth of experience and perspective that enriches every aspect of the program."

Howard added that Saluja's leadership is grounded in a consistent focus on supporting others. "What stands out most is his consistent approach-he leads with one simple question: 'How can I help?'" she said. She added that Saluja demonstrated a strong commitment to building community among participants, engaging meaningfully during sessions and continuing to support participants between sessions by sharing ideas, offering resources, and mentoring emerging leaders. He also served as a strong ambassador for the program, encouraging others within his academic network to get involved.

Through this role, Saluja continues to support leadership development and mentorship in higher education.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.