Our Team
Dr. Hadi Salavitabar: Academic Leader and Mentor
Dr. Hadi Salavitabar leverages his extensive experience in higher education leadership and business to guide aspiring academic leaders and faculty.
Expertise:
- Transformational Leadership: Proven track record of turning around struggling programs and fostering institutional growth.
- Curriculum Development: Experienced in developing and implementing innovative academic programs.
- Internationalization: Adept at building partnerships with international institutions.
- Faculty Development: Passionate about mentoring faculty and staff for success.
- Accreditation Expertise: Guided institutions towards achieving prestigious accreditation.
Highlights:
- Transformed SUNY New Paltz School of Business: Increased student enrollment by 150%, expanded program offerings, and secured AACSB accreditation (top 5% globally).
- Established International Programs: Initiated partnerships with numerous domestic and international institutions, fostering global learning opportunities.
- Award-Winning Educator: Recognized for excellence in teaching with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award and SUNY New Paltz Hall of Fame induction.
- Active Board Member: Brings real-world business experience to various boards, including Ulster Savings Bank and Mohonk Mountain House.
Mentorship Approach:
Dr. Salavitabar offers personalized guidance, drawing on his leadership experience to help mentees achieve their academic and professional goals.
Michelle Hsu
Founder and CEO of International Academic Alliance and Wee Lion Early Learning
Michelle Hsu’s journey in international education began in the early 1990s, when she was commissioned by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs to develop a groundbreaking fashion design retraining program by major European fashion institutions, empowering garment industry professionals. This initiative paved the way for more ambitious projects, like the first-ever bi-national MBA program designed specifically for Taiwanese government officials and CEOs. Recognizing the transformative power of education, Ms. Hsu then facilitated the training of over 350 Taiwanese teachers in prestigious American graduate programs, fostering a well-spring of knowledge exchange.
Ms. Hsu’s vision extended beyond national borders. She bridged the gap between the US and Singapore, China, and India by establishing unique bachelor’s degree articulation programs, opening doors for students to pursue their academic dreams internationally. But Ms. Hsu’s greatest impact unfolded later, between 2008 and 2021 when she paved the way for over 5,000 Chinese high school students to gain admission to prestigious American universities through the University In The High School programs of SUNY New Paltz and Syracuse University.
Ms. Hsu’s expertise extends beyond program development. She speaks on international education topics and innovative ways to cultivate global educational pathways. Her deep understanding of accreditation processes led her to successfully guide the New York School of Design in obtaining MSA-CESS accreditation in 2018.
Driven by a continuous quest for excellence, Ms. Hsu remains a champion for international education. Her dedication to fostering connections, developing innovative programs, and promoting educational equity positions her as a valuable partner for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving global education landscape.
Dr. Ann Marrott: Driving Success in Community Colleges
Dr. Ann Marrott leverages over 30 years of experience leading community colleges to empower aspiring leaders.
Expertise:
- Strategic Enrollment Management: Proven strategies for growth and sustainability, even in challenging enrollment environments.
- Student Success: Passionate about creating a holistic and engaging student experience that fosters success.
- Change Leadership: Skilled in navigating complex environments and leading teams through transformation.
- Resource Management: Adept at securing funding and optimizing financial resources.
- Community Engagement: Experienced in building strong relationships with donors, stakeholders, and external partners.
Highlights:
- Transformed SUNY Ulster Enrollment: Developed innovative strategies to achieve enrollment growth during a statewide decline.
- Enhanced Student Services: Streamlined services for better student engagement and retention.
- Secured Grant Funding: Secured a $2.6 million TRiO grant to support students with learning disabilities.
- Board Leadership: First woman Chair of the Board at a regional community bank.
Mentorship Approach:
Dr. Marrott provides personalized guidance, drawing on her experience to help mentees develop the skills and strategies needed to lead successful community colleges.
Dr. L. David Eaton
Dr. L. David Eaton leverages over 40 years of experience in higher education to empower and guide aspiring leaders.
Expertise:
- Leadership Development: Dr. Eaton has a proven track record of fostering effective leadership in individuals and teams.
- Enrollment Management: He possesses in-depth knowledge of building successful enrollment strategies, as evidenced by his work at SUNY New Paltz.
- Student Success: Dr. Eaton is passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals, evident in his work across student affairs and enrollment management.
- Mentorship & Coaching: Throughout his career, Dr. Eaton has mentored countless students and professionals, paying forward the guidance he received.
Experience Highlights:
- 22 Years as Vice President of Enrollment Management: Led SUNY New Paltz to achieve record enrollment, admissions, and student success metrics.
- 20+ Years in Student Affairs: Held leadership positions in areas like student conduct, residence life, and Greek organizations.
- Developed Overseas Programs: Expanded study abroad opportunities for students and facilitated international student recruitment.
Mentorship Philosophy:
Dr. Eaton believes in a collaborative approach to mentoring, drawing on his experience while fostering the unique potential of each individual he guides.
Fardin Sanai: Leading University Advancement
Overview:
Fardin Sanai has been the Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of The University at Albany Foundation since fall 2007. He oversees all fundraising and alumni affairs functions, liaises with the Foundation board, and manages foundation operations, including investments, real estate, and governance.
Expertise:
Fundraising and Alumni Affairs: Fardin has a comprehensive understanding of fundraising strategies and alumni relations, driving significant financial growth and engagement for UAlbany.
Foundation Operations: His oversight of foundation operations ensures effective management of investments, real estate, and governance, contributing to the university’s financial stability and growth.
Strategic Partnerships: Under Fardin’s leadership, UAlbany has expanded relationships both nationally and internationally, enhancing the university’s reach and impact.
Campaign Leadership: He successfully led the $150 million This is Our Time fundraising campaign, the largest in the University’s 175-year history.
Endowment Growth: During his tenure, UAlbany’s endowment grew from $16 million to over $120 million, including securing the university’s first 8-figure gift.
Highlights:
Successful Fundraising Campaigns: Fardin spearheaded UAlbany’s largest fundraising campaign, This is Our Time, which raised $150 million, showcasing his ability to drive large-scale financial initiatives.
Endowment Growth: He significantly increased the university’s endowment from $16 million to over $120 million, demonstrating his expertise in investment and financial management.
Recognition and Awards: UAlbany received the 2012 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for Educational Fundraising for overall improvement under his leadership. Fardin received the same award at SUNY Cobleskill in 2003.
Leadership Roles: Fardin serves as the chair of SUNY’s Chief Advancement Officers and on the SUNY SAIL Institute faculty, reflecting his leadership within the broader academic community.
Board Memberships: He is a board member of 15-Love, the University at Albany Biosciences Development Corporation (UABDC), and the University Auxiliary Services (UAS) boards, contributing to various community and university initiatives.
Professional Background:
Albany Medical Center: Before joining UAlbany, Fardin was the Senior Vice President for Development and Foundation Operations, overseeing fundraising for both the college and hospital.
SUNY Cobleskill: As Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, he created and expanded the college’s fundraising and development operations.
Albany Law School and Consulting: Fardin began his fundraising career at Albany Law School and worked as a fundraising consultant for Morin & Anderson, Inc.
Conferences and Presentations:
Fardin has presented at numerous conferences, including SUNY SAIL, Association of Governing Boards (AGB), and CASE. He served as Chair of CASE’s Advanced Development for Deans and Academic Leaders for the past two years.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree: Fardin holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College.
Fardin Sanai’s extensive experience and leadership in university advancement have significantly contributed to UAlbany’s growth and success, making him a key figure in the field of educational fundraising and development.