Sharmistha Self, Dean – College of Business Administration, Sam Houston State University

Invest: spoke with Sharmistha Self, dean of the College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University, about workforce readiness, innovation, and the university’s expanding role in the Greater Houston region. “The impact of higher education on social mobility is profound, not just for individuals but for families and communities across generations,” Self said.

How would you characterize the past year for the College of Business Administration, and what trends are shaping your priorities?

We are located about an hour and a half north of Houston, which brings both advantages and challenges. We benefit from proximity to one of the country’s most dynamic economic markets, with access to employers and industry partnerships, while maintaining a more personal campus environment.

Overall, the past year has been a year of strong momentum. I see every challenge as an opportunity. One of the most important shifts we continue to see is the growing emphasis employers place on skills. It is no longer enough for graduates to have subject-matter knowledge alone. Employers expect technical skills, professional skills, and what we now call durable skills – those transferable competencies such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

There is a clear expectation that graduates will be ready to hit the ground running from day one. That responsibility falls on us. Workforce readiness and professional development are now central to our mission.

How is the business college aligning with Sam Houston State University’s broader expansion into healthcare and applied programs?

Sam Houston State University is poised to take flight. We are not a new institution, but we are making strategic moves that increase our visibility and relevance. The launch of our polytechnic initiative is a significant step forward. Students can earn certificates, complete two-year degrees, and then continue into four-year programs, giving them multiple on-ramps to career advancement.

The university’s expanded focus on healthcare, including physician assistant programs, physical therapy, and our college of osteopathic medicine, reflects clear workforce demand. These programs raise the university’s profile and reinforce our role in addressing regional and statewide needs.

Within the College of Business, we have doubled down on professional development and career readiness. I established the Center for Building Business Professionals to connect students directly with employers through internships and placements. Our goal is to bridge the classroom and the workforce in a deliberate, structured way.

Which sectors are driving the strongest demand among employers?

Given our proximity to Houston, energy, real estate, and finance remain dominant sectors. We recently received a $5 million gift from an alum to establish a trading floor equipped with Bloomberg terminals, allowing our finance students to train on the same platforms used in the securities industry. That investment reflects both alumni confidence and market demand.

Real estate is another rapidly growing area. We launched a real estate program that has seen tremendous growth because of its strong connections to energy, banking, and analytics. These fields are interconnected.

Artificial intelligence is also reshaping expectations. AI literacy is no longer optional. Employers expect graduates to understand and use AI tools and emerging technologies. We are weaving AI across the curriculum to ensure our students are prepared for the realities of the modern workplace.

How are you integrating AI and emerging technologies while maintaining academic rigor?

As an AACSB-accredited college, maintaining relevance is essential. Technology integration, including AI, is not optional if we are to uphold the standards of a premier business school.

Our faculty are continually updating course content to reflect technological changes within their disciplines. AI is one component, but there are many other evolving tools specific to finance, marketing, supply chain, and other areas. We also leverage technology in our own leadership and communications, from accreditation processes to alumni engagement. We are also helping students understand ethical use and practical limits so they can apply tools responsibly in professional settings.

How are stackable credentials and alternative pathways supporting working professionals?

One of our largest majors is Business Administration, which provides broad exposure across disciplines. For students who may not yet know their precise career path, this flexibility is valuable.

We are building stackable certificate programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can earn credentials in areas such as real estate as minors or standalone certificates. We are also developing stackable pathways within our BBA and MBA programs so that students who must pause their education can still leave with recognized credentials. This approach serves nontraditional learners and supports lifelong learning.

How is economic diversification influencing your long-term strategy?

At the university level, the move into healthcare is a major strategic initiative, reflecting demographic trends and long-term demand. 

Within the College of Business, we recognize that sustainability is now embedded in every industry. Energy conversations increasingly include renewable and sustainable sources. Real estate incorporates green building. Finance includes sustainable and impact-focused investment strategies. Business education must address sustainability across all disciplines.

Business remains foundational. Regardless of profession, understanding how organizations operate is essential. Our responsibility is to ensure that students can navigate both traditional and emerging sectors.

What differentiates Sam Houston State University in attracting both students and faculty?

We are a mid-sized university with a nurturing environment. Students are taught by faculty, not primarily by teaching assistants, and they build meaningful relationships with professors. That environment appeals to families seeking both quality and personal attention.

We have been fortunate in attracting strong faculty talent. Texas continues to experience population and economic growth, which benefits higher education institutions. However, we remain mindful of future competition for talent and the need to stay competitive in recruitment and retention.

Beyond the classroom, we offer robust co-curricular engagement. Professional development activities are now a graduation requirement, ensuring students are exposed to career preparation opportunities. Our centers, including the Center for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, connect students with partners such as NASA, where students help identify commercial applications for research innovations. We also host the only PGA-certified golf management program in Texas.

Looking ahead three to five years, what are your top priorities?

I see tremendous opportunity for growth. Many of our students are first-generation college students. The impact of higher education on social mobility is profound, not just for individuals but for families and communities across generations.

We are also exploring expanded access initiatives. For example, we are working on partnerships that would allow incarcerated individuals who complete two-year programs to continue toward four-year degrees. Education can be transformative, particularly when focused on entrepreneurship and workforce skills.

Ultimately, our focus is simple: prepare students to succeed. That means staying agile, adapting curriculum to evolving industry needs, and maintaining strong employer partnerships.

I would like Sam Houston State University to be on more people’s radars. We are a strong, innovative institution that truly cares about student success. Faculty are committed to adapting to the changing needs of society and the economy.

I think the one word that’s going to define us is adaptability. Unless we are willing to adapt to the changing needs of society and the economy, we are not going to be successful. As a college and as a university, we are adapting and innovating all the time, because innovation is the future.