Neil Hair

Neil Hair is the Executive Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and Professor of Marketing at the Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He holds a PhD from Cranfield University and has degrees from Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Wales (UK).

• Education:
  • BS, University of Wales (UK)
  • MS, Sheffield Hallam University (UK)
  • PhD, Cranfield University (UK)

His research focuses on social media marketing, online advertising, virtual ethnography, and digital entrepreneurship. He has pioneered studies on customer experience in online social networks, personal branding in virtual spaces, and the use of immersive technologies in education.

Recent publications analyze ethical challenges in online ethnography, mobile device impacts on fundraising, and AI-driven e-commerce engagement. He has delivered keynote presentations on virtual worlds and online learning innovation.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2006)
  • Exemplary Online Faculty Award (2008)
  • Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching (2011)
  • Saunders Alumni Teaching Excellence Award (2014)
  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (2017)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (UK)

As a Chartered Marketer, he develops immersive online learning experiences and has created the world's first program on the commercialization of virtual worlds. He actively incorporates generative AI tools into teaching practices and explores effective learning environments for students.