Dr. Mani Sangaran Hull is a veteran higher education specialist. She came to the United States as an international student from Malaysia in 1981. Over the past 40 years, she has provided technical and administrative leadership to non-profits and for-profits, public and private higher education institutions, as well as federal and state government agencies. Among other achievements, she directed the development of technical and cost proposals for over 500 education related grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with government agencies, multi-national corporations, consulting firms, and academic institutions. She has mentored and assisted over 2,500 international and domestic students in gaining admission to colleges and universities across the U.S. Her volunteer service includes serving as the President of the Sri Sathya Sai Nashville Center as well as a Board Member of the United Nations Association Nashville Cordell Hull Chapter. Dr. Hull earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership & Policy from Vanderbilt University in 2010. Dr. Mani Sangaran Hull is now the President and CEO of Global Education Services.

What is Global Education Services and what should we know about you?

Global Education Services, Inc. (GESI), serves as a catalyst to connect global campuses and international students to U.S. campuses for mutual investments in an educated citizenry. We were established in spring 2022 as an agency to nurture students to achieve their higher education aspirations while serving as a catalyst for campus international enrollment and partnership initiatives.

The pandemic loss of international student enrollment on U.S. campuses over the past few years provides a mission for Global Education Services, Inc., to reinvigorate educational exchange opportunities and rejuvenate revenue streams for the economy and international relations. Based on trends and priorities, GESI will provide customized support services as requested by students, campuses, employers, and other stakeholders in the international education network.

In 2022, GESI chose to target India as its first country for outreach based on the new 2020 India National Education Policy that welcomes various forms of international education exchanges and linkages. Within a year, GESI has 50 Indian students in the pipeline to be admitted to American universities. In 2023, GESI will add another country to its portfolio and expand recruitment and other partnership prospects into the future.

What’s the best thing about doing business in Middle Tennessee?

The best thing about doing business in Middle TN in 2023 and into the future is that demand and supply are robust and contiguous-together in sequence-allowing a newcomer like Global Education Services to find its niche and space.

What has been the most valuable aspect of your Chamber membership?

The fact that the core leadership at the Chamber has been stable for over the 25 years that I have lived in middle TN is reassuring. As a new member to the Chamber, I will begin accessing and utilizing membership benefits and will report out on its most valuable aspect at another point in time.

What’s your best piece of advice for other business owners?

Be like the Lotus, stay above the fray.

How do you stay involved in the community?

By serving in volunteer roles in various boards of community membership organizations.