In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, host Sarah Hempstead speaks with Dr. Tanuja Singh, president of the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. Singh shares her extraordinary journey from particle physics in India to purposeful leadership in higher education. She discusses the importance of belonging, mentorship, and preparing the next generation of women leaders—offering a candid and inspiring look at what it means to lead with empathy, curiosity and conviction.

Key highlights:

• From particle physics to people-centered leadership
  Singh began her career in science, but discovered her true calling in higher education—where she could make a personal impact. “I liked particles, but I liked people better,” she said.
• Parental support and early empowerment
  Raised in a household that valued independence and education, Singh credits her father—a self-described feminist—for instilling in her the belief that she could do anything.
• Creating community and belonging
  Her decision to attend Millsaps College in Mississippi was shaped by a sense of personal connection. That same value of caring deeply for individuals now informs her leadership at UIndy.
• Empowering women leaders through action
  Singh helped launch the Women’s Executive Leadership Institute, a program rooted in mentorship, skill-building and support for emerging women leaders across industries in Indiana.
• Reimagining lifelong learning
  Through UIndy Online and the CS Institute, Singh is championing accessible, real-world education for adults seeking to reskill or upskill in today’s rapidly changing workforce.
• Curiosity as a leadership imperative
  Singh underscores the role of curiosity in personal and professional growth. “Higher education is where your mind learns to be resilient, adaptable and imaginative,” she said.
• A global perspective on education and equity
  Singh calls for renewed investment in U.S. higher education, warning that countries like India and China are rapidly advancing their research and experiential learning infrastructures.
• Leading with purpose—one student at a time
  Singh’s legacy is rooted in helping others discover their potential. Whether it’s a student gaining confidence or a professional finding their voice, her mission is to inspire belief in what’s possible.
• Recharge through travel and reflection
  A passionate traveler, Singh finds joy in exploring new cultures—and sees it as a way to better understand shared human values.

Singh also shares two compelling reads: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and In Case of Emergency, Break Glass, a book about finding calm and clarity in an overstimulated digital world.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive, curious, and purpose-driven future. Hear how Dr. Tanuja Singh is shaping the future of higher education—one meaningful connection at a time.

Subscribe to Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership to stay inspired and informed!