Empowering Academic Leaders Through Partnership
The Summit Academic Leadership Advisors is your trusted partner in achieving institutional excellence. We bring together a team of seasoned leaders, each with decades of experience across diverse senior academic roles. We leverage this collective expertise to provide confidential, customized guidance that unlocks your full potential.
What Sets Us Apart
Proven Leadership
Our advisors are veterans of the academic world, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities you face.
Collaborative Approach
We work closely with you, both in person and virtually, to identify your specific needs and develop tailored solutions.
Unlocking Potential
Through strategic discussions, we uncover hidden opportunities and create customized plans for professional development and institutional advancement.
Ongoing Support
Our commitment extends beyond initial consultations. We offer ongoing support and guidance to ensure your success.
Mission:
Our mission is to equip exceptional leaders from diverse backgrounds navigating unique challenges with high-impact coaching and mentoring.
Vision:
We envision a dynamic higher education landscape led by a collective of inclusive, adaptable, and visionary leaders. These empowered leaders will be equipped to navigate complex challenges, cultivate vibrant campus communities, and drive sustainable success for generations to come.
Core Values
Guiding with Integrity
We lead with ethical conduct, fostering trust and transparency in all our interactions.
Safeguarding Confidentiality
Your information is protected. We cultivate a safe space for open and honest communication.
Building Authentic Connections
Genuine relationships are at the heart of our work. We connect with you on a personal level.
Leading with Empathy
Your unique challenges and needs are understood and supported. We walk beside you.
Striving for Excellence
Exceptional coaching is our standard. We continuously push ourselves to exceed your expectations.
Together, we can:
- Develop clear and achievable strategic plans
- Navigate complex situations effectively
- Empower your faculty and staff for continuous improvement
- Achieve your institution's goals with confidence
Ready to take your leadership to the next level?
Advisors
Dr. Hadi Salavitabar
Dr. Hadi Salavitabar leverages his extensive experience in higher education leadership and business to guide aspiring academic leaders and faculty.
Mentorship Approach: Dr. Salavitabar offers personalized guidance, drawing on his leadership experience to help mentees achieve their academic and professional goals.
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.
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.
Michelle Hsu
Michelle Hsu is the CEO and Founder of International Academic Alliance and Wee Lions Early Learning.
Initiated global learning programs since the early 1990s.
Creating innovative international education programs that connect students and educators across borders.
Design retraining: Established fashion design retraining programs for Taiwan’s garment industry professionals with major European fashion institutions.
Graduate Business Programs: Facilitated cross-cultural graduate business programs for Taiwanese CEOs, corporate leaders, and government officials at prestigious American colleges.
Graduate Education Programs: Supported knowledge exchange between U.S. and Taiwanese higher education faculty through state university graduate degree programs.
International High School Programs: Created the American High School Honors Program at top Chinese high schools through partnerships with SUNY New Paltz and Syracuse University.
Academic Pathways: Developed international study pathways with SUNY New Paltz, University at Albany, Stony Brook University, University of Bridgeport, and Eastern Illinois University.
Expanding program Offerings: Secured WASC approval for off-site graduate education programs in Taiwan; Obtained MSA approval for extension sites in Manhattan for graduate business and undergraduate nursing programs.
Institutional Growth: Revised New York School of Design’s program offerings and guided the school to obtain MSA-CESS accreditation.
Conferences and Keynotes: Delivered the opening keynote at a University of Mumbai conference on the 2008 global financial crisis, attended by 350 business faculty members of major universities and business leaders in India; spoke at various conferences in Asia and US on international education topics and innovative ways to cultivate global educational pathways.
Dr. Ann Marrott
Dr. Ann Marrott leverages over 30 years of experience leading community colleges to empower aspiring leaders.
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.
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.
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.
L. David Eaton
L. David Eaton leverages over 40 years of experience in higher education to empower and guide aspiring leaders.
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.
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.
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.
Fardin Sanai
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 national and international relationships, enhancing its 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 increased from $16 million to over $120 million, including its first 8-figure gift.
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.
Paul Kassel
Leadership Development: Dean Kassel has successfully coached faculty, researchers, and leaders to improve communication skills and develop effective teams.
Strategic Planning: Dean Kassel has led successful departmental, school, and college-wide strategic planning at Bradley University, Stony Brook University, SUNY New Paltz and Northern Illinois University.
Fundraising & Institutional Development: Over the course of his career, Dean Kassel has been awarded grants totaling over $1 million and secured philanthropic gifts in excees of $4 million.
Human Resource Management: Dean Kassel has chaired searches for many major hires resulting in nearly all top candidates from diverse backgrounds, including most recently three School Directors, hiring top candidates, including two women, one woman of color
Enrollment Management: In each institution—be it at the department, school or college level—Dean Kassel and his team have increased enrollment, improved retention, reduced failure/withdrawal rates, and increased diversity.
Leadership and Performance Coaching: NIU STAR Academy, PI Academy, individual mentoring, numerous presentations at conferences (International Conference of Fine Arts Deans, Association for Theatre in Higher Education, National Council of Arts Administrators, AAC&U
Secured naming gift of $300K bequest for theater space, $250K for an endowed visiting professorship, $75K for student art gallery, +$250,000 for new programs and facilities, over $400,000 in bequests, scholarships, and donations. (NIU and SUNY New Paltz)
Co-led development of an art/design and computer science/engineering Digital Design & Fabrication certificate program and undergraduate minor in collaboration with the School of Science & Engineering at SUNY New Paltz, receiving $1M grant from the State of New York
Performed accreditation site visits for Julliard, Manhattan School of Music, Pratt Institute (vice chair), among others. Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Awards and Recognitions: Who’s Who in American Teachers, Marquis’ Who’s Who in America (2023)
Dean Cassandra L. Hill, Esq.
Brand Recognition: Experienced with enhancing institutional profile, reputation, and visibility through comprehensive marketing, innovative partnerships, and effective communication initiatives.
Accreditation Expertise: Possesses in-depth knowledge about accreditation standards and processes, and successfully guided institutions through accreditation and reaccreditation cycles.
Strategic Planning: Skilled in guiding institutions through the development and implementation of comprehensive strategic plans that align with their mission, vision, and goals.
Fundraising Expertise: Passionate about cultivating and expanding donor base; connecting donors’ philanthropic interests to institutional mission, vision, and values; and driving successful fundraising initiatives.
Student Enrollment: Adept at increasing student enrollment through targeted recruitment strategies, innovative academic programs, collaborative partnerships, and enhanced student services.
Student Success: Proven strategies for strengthening student success and employment opportunities by building new partnerships, assessing academic programs for effectiveness, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Faculty Development: Demonstrated support for faculty research and teaching through shared governance and responsibility, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Alumni Engagement: Proven track record of strengthening alumni relations through targeted programs and events, fostering a robust network of engaged and supportive graduates.
Support Staff: Experienced with motivating team members, recognizing their strengths and contributions, and empowering them to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities.
Successful Researcher: Authored a legal writing book that has been widely used and adopted at more than 25 law schools nationwide.
Accomplished Educator: Developed new skills and experiential learning programs that received positive recognition.
Diversity Advocate: Launched initiatives that significantly improved diversity and inclusion among the student body culminating in a 66% increase in diversity.
Belonging Champion: Awarded for successful efforts in creating an inclusive academic environment.
Faculty Incentives: Secured new faculty awards for excellence in teaching and research.
Experienced Fundraiser: Successfully increased annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving through targeted outreach, social media campaigns, and compelling case statements.
Accreditation and Assessment: Served on accreditation site teams for several law schools and attained full compliance for home institutions’ in-depth accreditation review.
Board Participation: First African American board member of the national Legal Writing Institute and appointed by mayor to city’s literacy education board.
Versatility: Educator, Administrator, and Lawyer.
Dr. David G. Martin
Transformational Leadership: has successfully dealt with institutions in multiple countries and cultures across the globe in change management.
Innovation Leadership: brings an outward looking approach to creating and implementing innovative programs.
Change Manager: brings significant experience in changing culture as appropriate.
Over 30 years of Academic Leadership
Over 25 years of experience working with AACSB as committee member, assessment presenter, consultant, peer review team member, and mentor.
Experienced in consulting with academic organizations across the globe.
Significant experience in leading and managing faculty.
Expertise:
- Successfully consulting in differing cultures
- Successfully changing workplace culture
- Successfully mentoring institutions through accreditation
- Successfully developing leaders by developing the art of delegation