Liberal Arts student strengthens communities through leadership and diplomacy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Muhammad Nazaruddin bin Mohd Salleh is a fourth-year Penn State student pursuing a degree in economics and a minor and certificate in labor and human resources. A first-generation student nearly 10,000 miles from home, he has embraced leadership roles as a Liberal Arts peer adviser, Next Gen Leadership Academy treasurer and Global Ambassadors treasurer. His experiences have fueled his passion for diplomacy, connecting people and solving complex challenges — qualities that are at the heart of his career aspirations.

“Being an international student has shaped my understanding of the importance of global perspectives in leadership,” bin Mohd Salleh says.

One of the defining experiences of bin Mohd Salleh’s time at Penn State has been his involvement in the Next Gen Leadership Academy, offered by the School of Public Policy in the College of the Liberal Arts. This program prepares undergraduate students to take on leadership roles in public service, equipping them with the skills they need to make an impact in their communities and beyond.

Bin Mohd Salleh’s interest in public service stems from his dream of becoming a diplomat. 

“My aspiration to represent my country on the global stage motivated me to join the Next Gen Leadership Academy,” he says.

He serves as treasurer of the Next Gen Leadership Academy. In this role, he has helped grow the academy’s membership and assisted with event and strategic planning, while honing his organizational and financial management skills. Through Next Gen workshops and seminars, bin Mohd Salleh has learned to navigate complex challenges and communicate effectively, he said.

“These experiences have deepened my understanding of international policies, trade and investment, which are key areas for diplomats to master,” he says.

One of bin Mohd Salleh’s most impactful experiences with the Next Gen Leadership Academy, he said, was attending a two-day conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he explored how STEM enhances public service. Representing Penn State, he joined panel discussions and leadership trainings, broadening his perspective on technology and governance. 

“As a non-STEM major, I was amazed to see how artificial intelligence and other innovations are transforming public administration,” bin Mohd Salleh says.

He said he left the conference with a renewed commitment to continuous learning and adapting to emerging global challenges.

His passion for helping others extends beyond his role in the Next Gen Leadership Academy. As a peer adviser in the Liberal Arts Office of Academic Advising, he provides academic support to students in the college, helping them select courses and connecting them with campus resources.

One of his favorite aspects of the role, he said, has been the opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant for the LA 083 First-Year Seminar in the Liberal Arts. This position allows him to help mentor first-year students as they transition from high school to college.

“I enjoy creating a sense of community and helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges,” he says.

He recalls a particularly busy time of the semester — the end of the first week of classes when the regular drop deadline was approaching — when he advised multiple students struggling with course selections. One student, anxious about meeting graduation requirements, sought his guidance on choosing the right upper-level economics courses. 

“It was challenging to provide personalized advice in a limited time, but seeing the student gain confidence and clarity was incredibly rewarding,” he says.

Through his roles as a peer adviser and treasurer for the Next Gen Leadership Academy, bin Mohd Salleh has gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader, he said. He believes leadership begins with empathy and active listening. 

“Understanding others’ concerns and aspirations allows me to provide meaningful support and guidance,” he said.

Adaptability is another cornerstone of bin Mohd Salleh’s leadership philosophy, he added. Balancing his academic responsibilities with his extracurricular roles has taught him to think on his feet and manage his time effectively.

“Leadership is not just about being at the front; it’s about working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals,” he said.

He said his ability to build meaningful connections with a diverse group of people has enriched his understanding of different perspectives and reinforced the importance of inclusivity in leadership.

Bin Mohd Salleh’s ultimate career goal is to become a diplomat, he said, representing Malaysia in international forums and fostering global cooperation. His experiences at Penn State have provided a strong foundation for this aspiration, he added.

“Diplomacy is not just about political negotiations; it’s about building bridges between cultures and promoting mutual respect and understanding,” he said.

He credited much of his growth to the support he’s received from the Liberal Arts Student Services offices, including the Career Enrichment Network and Office of Academic Advising.

“The resources offered by these offices have been instrumental in helping me develop both personally and professionally,” he said.

As someone who has made the most of his time at Penn State, bin Mohd Salleh encourages other students to actively engage with the opportunities around them. He also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with mentors and peers. He said his own experiences in the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program have shown him the value of networking with professionals in his field.

“Participate in student organizations, take on leadership roles and don’t hesitate to seek help from professors and academic advisers,” he said. “The connections you make in college can provide valuable guidance and support for years to come."

As he prepares to graduate, bin Mohd Salleh looks back on his Penn State journey with gratitude and pride. He said he has not only achieved academic success but also made a meaningful impact on the campus community.

“Being a first-generation and international student has shaped my perspective and strengthened my determination to succeed,” he said.