In a powerful commitment to higher education and first-generation student success, Indian-American philanthropists Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth and Madhuri Sheth have endowed a $100,000 scholarship at Kennesaw State University (KSU).
The newly established Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth Marketing Scholarship will support undergraduate students at the Michael J. Coles College of Business, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college.
The scholarship reflects the Sheths’ lifelong belief in the transformative power of education and their desire to foster academic excellence, community engagement, and global leadership.
With this gift, the Sheths aim to remove financial barriers and create new pathways to success for aspiring business leaders.
A Legacy of Academic and Social Impact
Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth, a globally renowned scholar in relationship marketing and customer centricity, has authored over 300 academic publications.
His contributions to the field have not only shaped business practices but have also influenced policy at the governmental level.
His work has earned him the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing his profound influence on literature and education.
Dr. Sheth began his academic journey as an international student at the University of Pittsburgh in 1961. He later taught at Columbia University and has served as the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University since 1991.
His influence spans decades of teaching, mentorship, and thought leadership across academic, business, and civic spheres.
“Dr. Sheth’s influence must be counted, not just in articles and books published or students taught, but in terms of the outsized impact he has had as a mentor in the lives of scores of students, faculty, and business leaders,” said Mona Sinha, Chair of the Department of Marketing and Professional Sales at KSU. “His intellectual and human contributions combined with his philanthropy have been transformative for the marketing discipline and beyond.”
Madhu Sheth: Champion of Community and Education
Madhuri “Madhu” Sheth, a former schoolteacher in India, has been a driving force in education and community upliftment.
She currently chairs the construction committee of the local Jain Center, overseeing efforts to double its capacity to serve the community. Her leadership also extends to JAINA, the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, where she serves on the women’s committee.
Madhu regularly organizes talks and educational sessions on modern and practical topics like holistic wellness, financial literacy, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence.
Her deep involvement in social initiatives complements Dr. Sheth’s academic work, and together, they exemplify a partnership grounded in service and learning.
A Lasting Partnership with KSU
The Sheths are no strangers to Kennesaw State University. Their earlier contributions include the Sheth International Distinguished Alumni Award and the Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth Faculty Award for Distinguished International Achievement, both of which celebrate global-minded alumni and faculty who embody humanitarian values and leadership.
“I am immensely proud of Dr. Sheth’s contributions to and collaborations with Kennesaw State University and the Coles College of Business,” said Sheb True, Vice Provost at KSU. “I have witnessed his impact on the quality of our faculty’s scholarship and how he extended our reach into the business and academic communities, from local to international.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders
The newly endowed Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth Marketing Scholarship will help KSU continue its mission of developing culturally aware, socially responsible, and globally competitive graduates.
It is especially significant for first-generation college students, many of whom face unique academic and financial challenges.
By investing in their potential, the Sheths are not only giving back to the academic world but also inspiring a future generation of changemakers who will carry forward their legacy of excellence and service.
