Bridging Theory and Practice: A Conversation With Dr. Sunil Ramlall, Leadership Program Director
About Dr. Sunil Ramlall
Dr. Sunil Ramlall is Program Director and Professor at the University of New Hampshire’s College of Professional Studies. He leads multiple business programs and teaches courses in strategic human resources (HR), leadership, and management. Dr. Ramlall holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Human Resources Development from the University of Minnesota, and an MBA and BA in Human Resources Management from the University of St. Thomas. His research spans strategic HRM, positive organizational behavior, workforce performance, and the ways HR and people practices drive firm success. Before joining UNH, he served in various leadership, faculty, and program chair roles in a variety of institutions.
Why UNH?
Serving Adult Learners With Real-World Impact
Sunil’s journey to the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies is grounded in his years of experience in higher education leadership, curriculum development, and HR. Over the past 15+ years, he has shaped undergraduate and graduate programs in business, leadership, and human resources, combining academic theory with practical relevance.
“I was drawn to UNH for its commitment to adult learners and working professionals, and a mission-driven approach that encourages faculty to weave together academic knowledge and real-world practice.”
For him, that connection between theory and practice isn’t just a teaching ideal; it’s essential. He believes UNH’s approach offers accessible, career-relevant education, and he’s excited to play a part in advancing that vision.
Creating Meaning
One of the things Sunil values most in his role is being able to collaborate with a dedicated faculty. He speaks with deep appreciation for their expertise, innovation, and passion, and for the opportunity to foster an environment where teaching can evolve.
“It’s not just about delivering material; it’s about creating space for faculty to experiment, to engage, and to bring new insights into the classroom.”
Equally inspiring to him are the students, especially those at UNH CPS, who often juggle multiple roles: professional responsibilities, family, community service, and education. These students don’t just study principles of leadership; they practice them daily. Sunil sees every class as a two-way exchange: students learn from the curriculum and from one another.
“Watching adult students grow and seeing them apply leadership concepts to real situations is the greatest reward.”
Leadership in Context: Why It Matters
In Sunil’s view, leadership is more crucial than ever. We’re navigating a world of constant change—from technological disruption and global competition to transformed workplaces and evolving social expectations. Leadership today demands more than managerial efficiency; it requires adaptability, vision, ethical grounding, and the ability to inspire and empower others.
“There is a ripple effect of good leadership: when leaders create inclusive cultures, encourage innovation, and support other people’s growth, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They foster stronger teams, healthier organizations, and more resilient communities.”
UNH Prepares HR Leaders to Tackle Business Challenges
Human Resources leaders today are juggling a complex, dynamic landscape. Key challenges include:
• Talent shortages
• Rapid integration of AI and emerging technologies
• Evolving legal and regulatory frameworks
• A deeper expectation for diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Global and hybrid workforce dynamics.
As a program director, he helped develop the MS Leadership – HR Option program to provide opportunities for HR professionals to be strategic partners in aligning people practices with business goals (not just administrative functions).
“UNH’s Leadership with HR option is designed to meet these challenges. The program mixes foundational HR knowledge (recruitment, selection, employment law, workforce analytics, organizational development) with strategic thinking and applied learning. Through case studies, hands-on projects, and faculty who bring both academic and professional expertise, students graduate ready to lead in roles that expect both insight and real impact.”
A New Role: Board of Editors, ACBSP Transnational Journal of Business
Sunil is also stepping into a broader role in scholarship: he has joined the Board of Editors for the ACBSP Transnational Journal of Business. This opportunity aligns closely with his passion for research that bridges theory and practice. His goals include contributing to and shaping scholarship that has real, direct relevance to business education and leadership practice. He’s also focused on collaborating globally with colleagues committed to high-quality, applied research while supporting authors to produce work that influences both teaching and practice.
Looking Ahead
For Sunil, leadership education is about more than imparting knowledge. At UNH CPS, that means designing programs grounded in real-world challenges, taught by committed faculty, and populated by students who bring their full lives to the classroom. It’s a model where learning is lived, not just learned.
“As UNH CPS faculty, our work is about preparing people who can lead with adaptability, integrity, and impact.”