The Road to Senior International Leadership: What It Takes to Become an SIO

Dr. Noah Goldblatt - Executive Director of Global Engagement at Hartwick College

Dr. Noah Goldblatt, Executive Director of Global Engagement at Hartwick College, brought a deeply personal and reflective tone to the session as he shared the roots of his journey into international education. He spoke of growing up in rural northern New Hampshire in a working-class family, shaped by parents who embraced a countercultural lifestyle. It was a unique upbringing, one that encouraged independence, critical thinking, and a sense of curiosity about the world beyond his immediate surroundings.

International experiences entered his life early and left a lasting impact. They didn’t just influence his career path, they shaped his identity. These formative moments instilled in him a global perspective and an appreciation for difference, sparking a passion that would guide his professional journey for years to come.

He also spoke about the kinds of people he gravitated toward those with big dreams and bold ideas. Surrounded by individuals who challenged the status quo and believed in the power of possibility, Dr. Goldblatt found a sense of purpose and direction. His story underscored how personal history, global exposure, and the right community can converge to inspire a career dedicated to international engagement and leadership.

It Wasn’t a Straight Path to IHE Leadership

Dr. Goldblatt’s path to senior leadership in international higher education was anything but linear and he was candid about that. With humility and honesty, he walked the audience through a timeline that reflected the real, often winding journey of a career built over time, through both intention and discovery.

He began as a nontraditional student, choosing not to go to college immediately after high school in the early 1990s. When he did enroll, between 1996 and 2000, he admitted that he had no idea the field of international higher education even existed. Like many in the profession, his entry into the field wasn’t the result of a clear-cut plan, but rather a series of decisions and experiences that gradually revealed his path.

His first role in education came in the early 2000s at a private boarding school in New Hampshire, where he began to understand the impact education could have on young minds. That experience set the stage for his graduate studies in Global Studies from 2003 to 2006 an academic focus that aligned closely with his growing passion for international engagement.

From there, he stepped into the world of study abroad through a small program provider, gaining hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving space. Between 2008 and 2020, his career in international higher education took shape in earnest. These were years of growth, leadership, and achievement, during which he earned his EdD and stepped into his first role as a Senior International Officer (SIO).

Then came the disruption of 2020. Like so many in the field, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause a moment of transformation and reevaluation. It was a challenging but clarifying time that ultimately led him to his current role at Hartwick College in 2023.

Dr. Goldblatt’s story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always follow a straight line. His path was shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to adapt qualities that continue to define his work in international education today.

Dr. Goldblatt outlined several key lessons he’s learned over the course of his career. One of the most important, he noted, is to stay open to learning from those around you whether through admiration or challenge. The advice and example of seasoned professionals can leave a lasting impact, shaping the way forward in unexpected ways.

He emphasized that there is no single, linear path to becoming a Senior International Officer. Each journey is unique, shaped by individual experiences, choices, and opportunities. What matters most is staying committed, being adaptable, and continuing to grow.

He also stressed the importance of building a professional network. Relationships in the field peers, mentors, and colleagues can provide valuable support, insight, and perspective along the way.

These reflections offered practical guidance for anyone navigating a career in international education, especially those aspiring to senior leadership roles. Dr. Goldblatt closed his talk by sharing the principles that guide his leadership style clear, practical, and grounded in experience. He believes in working hard and working smart. For him, leadership means doing what it takes to move the institution forward without compromising your own values. Stay focused on the big picture, but don’t shy away from the details when they matter.

Respect for everyone is central to his approach. “Don’t forget the little guy or anyone, really,” he noted, reminding the room that international education is a small world, and relationships matter. His approach is rooted in service. Whether working with students, colleagues, or partners, he sees strong “customer service” as the foundation of everything. He encourages leaning into your strengths, leading with the 80/20 rule focusing energy where it will have the most impact and always, always advocating for your team.

Becoming a Senior Leader

Dr. Goldblatt described his leadership style as collaborative and people-centered, with a focus on big-picture thinking and steady progress. He leads by listening, values strong relationships, and believes impact comes from working with not above your team.

He’s proud of the programs he’s built, the partnerships he’s grown, and the teams he’s led through both steady growth and challenging moments.

What he wishes he’d known earlier? You don’t need all the answers. Listen first, stay grounded, and accept that not everyone will be happy all the time especially when leading change. As he put it:

“The price I pay for my experience is my youth.” – Pare Keiha.

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