The larger SDM Group of Institutions offers the courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, Management, Naturopathy and Ayurveda. Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, Hon'ble Chancellor: A visionary leader with a dream to start a Centre of Excellence in Medical Education and Healthcare for the people of North Karnataka region at an affordable cost. The Dharmadhikari (head) of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala, the Trust which oversees several temples, including the famous Manjunatheshwara Temple at Dharmasthala in Karnataka State. Poojya Shri Heggade Ji is a multidimensional personality who is also a Dharmadhikari, reformer, educationist, philosopher and philanthropist. He has contributed over 48 years in social, economic and cultural development of the society.

As a result, he has been bestowed with many awards and titles including Padma Vibhushan (2nd highest award in India) for his extensive work towards social reformation and for preaching communal Harmony. Under the able guidance of Poojya Shri Heggade, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University and its constituent institutions continue to provide quality education and healthcare, which in turn, promote a very conducive environment across all the campuses, giving life to the new age of trained professionals. Recently our Hon'ble Chancellor has been nominated to Rajya Sabha by the Government of India recognizing his significant contribution in social service. He was also recognized as Asia's Greatest Leader in 2020.

Dr. Niranjan Kumar an eminent Plastic Surgeon is the founding, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad. Under his able leadership, SDM University and its constituent institutions are growing from strength to strength and competing admirably among the top in the Country. Educational Streams of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Sattur, Dharwad, include Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Allied Health Science and Pharmacy.