by Dina Gustin 10/22/26
Congratulations to Dr. Nikhil Celly, who received the Global Faculty Award on October 19 held at Wortham House. His efforts as the Assistant Dean of Strategic
& Global Initiatives, and as a faculty member in the Department of Management and
Leadership in the , embody a global perspective. He leads by example, engaging others with genuine enthusiasm
as he demonstrates the rewards of strategic, innovative global engagement.
鈥淕rowing up in India, the passion to globally engage was always there and I saw some
opportunities in academia to put action to internationalization.鈥� - Dr. Nikhil Celly
Dr. Celly leads the development of Bauer鈥檚 global strategy, cultivating international partnerships and programs across Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His expertise in global engagement has earned him invitations to speak at prestigious international education forums, including the QS Reimagine Education and Global Business School Network conferences. Dr. Nikhil teaches global strategy, ethical leadership and AI, critical thinking, international business courses, as well as leading students abroad.
Taking students abroad to Singapore is just one example of how he seeks opportunities to transform students and to open their world views. 鈥淚t is kind of mind blowing," Dr. Celly said, "when students return to Texas and share that before they had not thought of an international career but now are very interested.鈥� Bauer's Office of Global Initiatives provides an avenue to provide practical initiatives that bring global learning into action.
From Philosophy to Practice
When asked about the strategic concepts that inform his approach, Dr. Celly explained that ambidexterity, a concept that emerged in strategic management literature about 15 years ago, remains especially relevant today. In uncertain times, ambidexterity means balancing the need to sustain current operations, allocate resources, and invest strategically while simultaneously exploring new opportunities for the future. This unique kind of strategic thinking requires creativity and the ability to hold two perspectives, adapt to competing demands, and shift approaches as circumstances evolve. These principles can also be applied to advancing global engagement and internationalization across the university. Nikhil says, for example, 鈥淩egarding partnerships; we want to certainly strengthen the existing relationships. But at the same time, we definitely want to explore a few new ones.鈥�
Celly also explores the intersection of competitiveness, innovation, and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Recognizing the importance of responsible technological advancement, he developed a course on the ethics of AI in business and technology, extending his global engagement efforts into the classroom. His critical thinking and forward-looking approach keep him at the forefront of evolving conversations in technology, management, and leadership. He demonstrates the concept of taking internationalization into action.
鈥淭he philosophy around us in the Eastern mind, sometimes these come together and they actually reinforce. So doing today gives you resources for exploring tomorrow. And exploring tomorrow gives you access to new technologies.鈥�
Through Dr. Celly鈥檚 mentorship and collaboration with students, faculty and staff, he further advances a culture of innovation and global engagement across the university. While global engagement starts at home, Dr. Nikhil Celly鈥檚 leadership builds bridges between UH and the world.
Learn about the Global Faculty Awards: Global Faculty Awards
Get involved with the Global Faculty Institute: Global Faculty Institute