Dr. Samuel Heikinen is an accomplished executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration, specializing in global engagement, diversity initiatives, and strategic partnership development. Throughout his career, Dr. Heikinen has been committed to advancing global education, fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and creating pathways for students to succeed in a rapidly globalizing world.
Dr. Heikinen’s professional journey began in China, where he spent five years as a faculty member at a university in northeast China. This experience was pivotal in shaping his career and igniting his passion for international education and cultural exchange. His extensive travel to over 40 countries has enriched his perspective and allowed him to develop deep expertise in building cross-cultural partnerships and creating global educational opportunities.
Currently, Dr. Heikinen serves as the Associate Provost for Global and Community Engagement at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, a role he has held since 2018. In this capacity, he oversees a broad range of initiatives, including Study Abroad, International Affairs, Global Partnerships, Strategic International Enrollment Management, and Community Engaged Learning. He works closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to connect global engagement efforts with community-based learning, believing strongly in the transformative power of service, cultural exposure, and study abroad experiences for students and the communities they serve.
Under Dr. Heikinen’s leadership, Slippery Rock University has seen significant growth in international enrollment and engagement. He developed a joint program with Quanzhou University of Information Engineering in China, which currently enrolls over 300 students. He also led the university’s recovery from the pandemic’s impact on study abroad, guiding the institution back to triple-digit participation numbers in faculty-led and student exchange programs. Additionally, Dr. Heikinen has spearheaded international recruitment efforts in Zimbabwe, leveraging partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Commercial Service to connect with prospective students and families.
Before his role at Slippery Rock University, Dr. Heikinen held significant positions at other prominent institutions, including Saint Francis University, Snow College, and Saginaw Valley State University. At Saint Francis University, he served as Director of International Student Programs, where he implemented a comprehensive service model for international students and organized cultural events to integrate them into campus life. At Snow College, he oversaw a dramatic increase in international student enrollment, expanding the student body’s diversity to include students from 39 countries.
Dr. Heikinen’s expertise in strategic planning and partnership development is complemented by his strong leadership and management skills. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in global education and is adept at creating programs that enhance institutional visibility, generate revenue, and foster long-term international relationships.
A passionate advocate for diversity, Dr. Heikinen has been an active participant in several committees and strategic initiatives focused on inclusion. He has served on the Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Committee, the President’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Diversity, and the Global Engagement Advisory Committee at Slippery Rock University. His commitment to these initiatives reflects his belief in the critical importance of DEIB in shaping the future of higher education and global collaboration.
Dr. Heikinen holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University, and a B.S. in Psychology/Sociology from Oakland University. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and continues to be an advocate for language learning and global awareness among students and faculty.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Heikinen is passionate about fishing, basketball, culinary arts, music, drumming, and economics. His personal mission, “Living By My Values, And The Empowerment of People,” drives his dedication to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the world of higher education.
As an experienced executive with a proven track record of success in global education, Dr. Heikinen is now seeking new opportunities to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise with organizations looking to expand their global reach, strengthen their diversity initiatives, and create meaningful educational partnerships. His leadership, combined with his strategic vision and commitment to student success, makes him a valuable asset to any board or advisory role.
Character
Dr. Samuel Heikinen is a dedicated leader who values diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, always striving to make a positive impact on the students and communities he serves.
Knowledge
With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Heikinen has extensive expertise in global education, strategic partnerships, and DEIB initiatives.
Strategic
He excels at developing and implementing global education programs, driving international student enrollment, and fostering partnerships that support institutional growth and diversity.
Communication
Dr. Heikinen effectively communicates his vision and ideas across diverse audiences, having delivered keynote speeches and facilitated cross-cultural exchanges throughout his career.
